Physical therapist Dr. Aida López warns: "This is how you can tell if you're injuring your abdomen or pelvic floor at the gym."

Performing a strength exercise incorrectly can have more serious consequences than it seems, especially when it comes to the abdomen and pelvic floor . Many people unknowingly put excessive pressure on this area of ​​the body during their training routine, which can lead to injuries and long-term dysfunction. Dr. Aida López Brull , a physical therapist specializing in the pelvic floor, has issued a warning through her social media channels to raise awareness about this risk in gyms and home workouts.

According to López Brull, a lack of understanding of the functioning of the pelvic floor and its role in physical exercise is still widespread. This muscular structure performs three essential functions: supporting organs such as the bladder, uterus, and rectum; controlling continence; and managing intra-abdominal pressure. If the pelvic floor is weakened or improperly overworked, problems such as urinary or fecal incontinence, prolapses, uncontrolled gas, or chronic constipation can arise.

"If you do strength training, whether at home or at the gym, stick around because I'm going to explain how to tell if you're doing it wrong or if you're injuring your abdomen and pelvic floor," the doctor warns via her TikTok account. For her, there are two key aspects to pay attention to during training: breathing and abdominal management .

Breathing when you lift fart

The first mistake many people make is holding their breath while lifting weights . This practice, very common when lifting weights, abruptly increases the pressure inside the abdomen, which directly affects the pelvic floor. "We have to breathe while we exercise. It's not worth holding our breath to try to lift more weight. Whenever you exert yourself, you have to exhale," the expert points out.

This technique of exhaling during exercise is essential for relieving the strain on the core muscles. Controlling breathing not only prevents injuries but also improves exercise efficiency and protects the pelvic area from overexertion.

Control the abdomen

The second point to monitor is abdominal activation. During strength exercises, it's common for the abdomen to protrude outward, which, according to the physiotherapist, indicates poor internal pressure management . "When you do strength exercises, the abdomen can't protrude outward; it has to be pulled inward , and this will help us, along with breathing," explains López Brull.

The proper technique consists of exhaling while pulling the abdomen inward at the moment of exertion, whether during strength exercises. This coordination protects the abdominal girdle and pelvic floor, preventing unnecessary strain.