Ryan Stewart, DO
Fellowship-Trained Urogynecologist
Urogynecology & Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery
Green Bay, Wisconsin
✓ Medically reviewed March 2026

Pelvic Floor Health for Women Who Lift Weights

Whether you lift at the gym, at work, or while chasing toddlers, heavy lifting places significant demands on your pelvic floor. This doesn’t mean you need to stop lifting — but it does mean you should train your pelvic floor alongside your other muscles.

Why This Happens

Heavy lifting creates spikes of intra-abdominal pressure. When the pelvic floor can’t match that pressure, it can lead to leaking, worsening of prolapse, or new prolapse symptoms.

Dr. Stewart explains: “I’m a big believer in women lifting weights — it’s great for bone health, metabolism, and overall strength. The key is making sure your pelvic floor keeps up with the rest of your fitness.”

Signs You Should Seek Help

Leaking during lifts (especially squats, deadlifts, or overhead movements)
Pelvic pressure or heaviness during or after lifting sessions
Feeling of a vaginal bulge
Needing to bear down excessively during lifts

Treatment Options

Pelvic floor training specific to lifting — learning to engage your pelvic floor during lifts
Breathing and bracing techniques — proper coordination of breath, core, and pelvic floor
Load management — temporary modifications while building pelvic floor capacity
Specialist evaluation — if symptoms persist despite technique modifications

Dr. Stewart notes: “The answer is never to stop lifting. It’s to lift smarter. A pelvic floor therapist who understands strength training can be transformative.”

Your Next Steps

Stay strong — just make sure your pelvic floor is part of the program. A pelvic floor therapist experienced with strength training athletes can help.

Learn more about pelvic organ prolapse

Schedule Your Appointment

Dr. Stewart understands the unique challenges you're facing and is here to help.

No referral necessary
Now accepting new patients
In-person and virtual appointments available
Most insurance plans accepted

Frequently Asked Questions

Is weightlifting bad for the pelvic floor?

Not inherently. Weightlifting becomes a problem when the pelvic floor can't match the demands placed on it. With proper technique and pelvic floor training, most women can lift safely.

Should I avoid certain exercises?

Temporarily, you may need to modify exercises that worsen symptoms while building pelvic floor strength. The goal is returning to full activity, not permanent restriction.

Can I still deadlift or squat with prolapse?

Many women with mild prolapse can continue these movements with proper breathing, bracing, and pelvic floor engagement. A pelvic floor therapist can help you determine what's safe for your situation.