An Australian woman is hoping to combat predictions that one in four of her fellow New Zealanders will suffer from some form of incontinence by 2030. Renowned physiotherapist and exercise instructor Michelle Kenway says statistics show that in just 18 years’ time, as the population ages, 25 percent of New Zealanders over the age of 15 will have some form of incontinence. The statistics for the UK will be similar.

Already it’s estimated that currently 600,000 Kiwis suffer from urinary or bowel incontinence, or both, and many are doing so needlessly.

Kenway, has created a DVD titled Inside Out Strength, which aims to help women safely and effectively strengthen and tone their pelvic floor and their whole body. The pelvic floor physiotherapist, who has helped thousands of women suffering from bowel and bladder issues throughout her career, says many people don’t realise that incontinence can be prevented or cured, and her new DVD aims to help those to help themselves.

Kenway’s DVD shows women how to exercise their pelvic floor as well as strengthening and toning their whole body.

She says it’s important that women learn to exercise their pelvic floor as part of a holistic approach to management. Physical strength, body weight management and pelvic floor problems go hand in hand. When a woman can improve her strength and manage her body weight she can better manage and alleviate pelvic floor problems long-term.

“Inside Out Strength is ideal for women who want the expertise of a health professional about pelvic floor safe strength exercises and the knowledge to structure a pelvic floor safe workout,” says Kenway.

The DVD includes demonstrations and carefully explained techniques so that even a complete novice to pelvic floor exercise can effectively structure a safe strength workout, as well as modifications to help those just starting out and building up to a more advanced level. Inside Out Strength is ideal for all women, particularly those who suffer from pelvic organ prolapse or previous pelvic prolapse surgery, previous hysterectomy surgery, peri or post-menopausal status or childbirth-related pelvic floor dysfunction.

A trailer of the DVD can be seen at //www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPL4T5eEo94&list=UUPQS5BOA_GLQKCc07ZCOjJg&index=1&feature=plcp