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Before you begin
Read the instructions completely before use. All women should find the use of the PelvicToner perfectly comfortable.
The depth of penetration is around 10cm. The tip is just 3cm across and this represents the maximum 'stretch' that you will experience.
The PelvicToner is not sterile on delivery and you should wash it in warm, soapy water before and after use.
Make sure you are squeezing the correct muscles!
Over one-third of women start out squeezing the wrong muscles.
You can check yourself by following these steps:
* When you need to pass urine, sit on the toilet with your legs apart. See if you can start and then stop the flow of urine without moving your legs.
* If you can stop the stream of urine, you are tightening the PC muscle. If you can start the stream of urine, you are relaxing the PC muscle,
OR
*Insert a finger into the vagina, and try to tighten the muscles around your finger as if holding back urine. When you feel pressure on your finger you are using the correct muscle.
The ability to close your PelvicToner confirms that you are using the correct muscle group.
Remember that the abdominal and thigh muscles should remain relaxed. Remember not to hold your breath and to breathe slowly and deeply. Try to stay as relaxed as you possibly can. Once you have successfully located the correct muscles it is the technique of contracting and releasing them that actually forms the Kegel exercise.
Why the PelvicToner is so effective
The PelvicToner is a progressive resistance exercise device enabling you to increase the resistance as your muscle tone improves. When Arnold Kegel published his research and his Kegel pelvic floor exercises he recommended that the squeezing should be against a resistance. Unfortunately this is rarely taught and as a result many women become very dissatisfied with their lack of progress and give up exercising all together.
In common with any exercise routine the PelvicToner combines repetitive movement with resistance. Typically, increasing the number of repetitions you do increases muscle tone and the blood flow to the muscle. Increasing the load builds strength and muscle definition. For most women the maximum benefit is derived by building to a high number of repetitions at a comfortable resistance.
Getting started
It is recommended that you start with the least amount of tension until you have mastered the squeezing technique so just insert Spring 1.
 First make sure you lubricate the vaginal area and the PelvicToner from the tip to the collar. A water-soluble product is recommended. Lay down on your back with your head resting on at least one pillow, relax and bend your knees keeping your feet flat about 18 � 24 inches apart.
Position the PelvicToner with the 'tip' adjacent to the vagina and towards the floor. The PC is one single muscle group but you will work to maximum effect by opening and closing your PelvicToner vertically - not horizontally.
Hold the PelvicToner closed and insert the tip into your vaginal opening. The collar prevents over-insertion. When you slowly release your grip the PelvicToner must open by at least 1cm. If necessary follow the instructions to increase the load until you find a point at which it opens enough to make the squeeze movement possible.
You are now ready to squeeze
Start with 3 sets of 30 repetitions (reps) or a total of 90 reps or 90 closings. Work up to 6 sets of 30 reps or a total of 180 reps or 180 closings with a rest of 15 seconds in between sets. You can increase the benefit by occasionally holding the squeeze for ten or twenty seconds.
When you have completed your exercise routine simply remove your PelvicToner. Do not try to force it out. Hold the PelvicToner closed with your hand and take a few minutes and relax. Take several deep breaths until your vaginal muscles relax and the PelvicToner can be removed easily.
Try to complete your routine every day, but not less than three times a week.
Maximise your workout
This is where the PelvicToner and Kegel exercises really deliver a benefit. When squeezing one spring feels easy you can begin to increase the resistance levels. The two spring positions and two strengths of spring mean that five levels of resistance (x -xxxxx) are possible.
Position 1 2 1+2
Standard springs x xx xxx
Strong springs xxx xxxx xxxxx
Don�t overdo it. Avoid straining. Take your time. The benefits are worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Can I tell if the exercise is working?
You will begin to note the increased number of vaginal contractions you can perform and you'll need to increase the resistance by adding the second spring.
Should I worry about soreness?
The PelvicToner may produce some soreness or a slightly uncomfortable feeling, but no more than exercising any other body part. If it hurts stop and allow the muscles to recuperate. Make sure that you are relaxed and well lubricated before you begin. This will help enormously.
What happens if I stop the exercises?
As with any muscle that is not used, there will be a gradual loss of tone, atrophy will occur and you may experience loss of the vaginal control and the return of stress incontinence.
Who should not use the PelvicToner?
Do not use the PelvicToner if you are, or may be, pregnant or are post partum. For most women this means waiting 8-12 weeks after birth, and until any episiotomy has healed, before commencing toning exercises. Women who are postpartum, prone to genito-urinary tract infections or who have had prior genito-urinary tract surgery should consult their physician prior to using the product
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