Pelvic Health + Pilates: Why Coordination Matters More Than Strength

At Inland Pelvic Health, we believe that movement should support your body—not create new symptoms. That’s why our collaboration with Balanced Pilates is so meaningful.

For the past six years, Kathy and Dr. Laura have worked together to bridge the gap between rehabilitation and fitness. Now, we’re bringing that collaboration directly to you through a new educational video series focused on pelvic health and Pilates.

Because truly—Pilates and Pelvic Therapy are a perfect pair.

The Missing Link in Core Strength

Many people think of the “core” as the abdominal muscles. In reality, the core is a system that includes:

• The diaphragm

• The abdominal wall

• The pelvic floor

• The deep spinal stabilizers

For this system to function properly, these muscles must work in coordination—not just isolation.

Pelvic physical therapy focuses heavily on this coordination because dysfunction is often not simply a strength issue—it is a timing and control issue within the system.

Why Muscle Activation Order Matters

One of the most important concepts we teach is activation sequencing.

Before engaging your larger abdominal muscles—especially the external obliques—the pelvic floor should activate first.

When this sequence is reversed:

• The pelvic floor can become inhibited

• Intra-abdominal pressure increases

• The system loses its ability to support the pelvic organs effectively

Over time, this can contribute to:

• Urinary leakage

• Pelvic organ prolapse

• Bowel dysfunction

• Increased pelvic tension or rigidity

It’s important to understand that tight or rigid muscles are not the same as functional strength. True strength requires both contraction and relaxation, coordinated with the rest of the system.

Why Pilates Is a Powerful Tool

Pilates, when instructed with proper cueing, is one of the most effective ways to train this coordination.

At Balanced Pilates, Kathy provides intentional, precise cues that promote:

• Safe pelvic floor activation

• Balanced core engagement

• Efficient pressure management

• Functional strength that translates into daily life

This is why Dr. Laura confidently recommends her instruction—because the movements support pelvic health rather than challenge it in unsafe ways.

Introducing the Pelvic Health Foundations Series

Kathy’s Pelvic Health Foundations series is designed to help clients better understand how to:

• Activate the pelvic floor correctly

• Coordinate breathing with movement

• Build deep core stability safely

• Modify exercises to protect pelvic health

This series is an incredible opportunity to learn how to move with awareness and intention in a supportive, expert-led environment.

If you’ve ever wondered:

• “Am I doing this exercise correctly?”

• “Why do I feel pressure or leaking during workouts?”

• “How do I safely return to exercise?”

This series is for you.

👉 Learn more and follow updates here:Balanced Pilates Instagram

A Collaborative Approach to Care

At Inland Pelvic Health, we take a comprehensive approach to treating pelvic dysfunction. We assess the pelvis, core, spine, and movement patterns to determine what your body specifically needs. IPHPT + Healthcare Team

By collaborating with Balanced Pilates, we’re extending that care beyond the clinic and into your workouts—creating a seamless connection between rehab and fitness.

What This Means for You

Whether you are:

• Returning to exercise postpartum

• Managing leaking or prolapse

• Experiencing pelvic pain

• Or simply wanting to build a stronger, more functional core

Understanding how your pelvic floor works during movement is essential.

This video series—and Kathy’s Pelvic Health Foundations classes—are designed to help you:

• Move with awareness

• Build strength safely

• Protect your pelvic health long-term

We’re Here to Help

If you’re experiencing symptoms like leaking, pressure, pain, or difficulty with core activation, you don’t have to figure it out alone.

Our team at Inland Pelvic Health specializes in evaluating and treating pelvic dysfunction across all stages of life.

👉 Learn more or schedule an evaluation:www.inlandpelvic.com

👉 Follow us for education + updates:Inland Pelvic Health Instagram

Watch + Learn

Follow along with our video series featuring Kathy and Dr. Laura, and explore classes at Balanced Pilates.

Because the goal isn’t just to exercise more—it’s to move better.