Push Past Bladder Leakage and Make the Most of the Indoors

Keeping an active lifestyle is essential to feeling great at any age, especially with increased encouragement to stay indoors in light of the ongoing global pandemic and with the change in season. Staying active lowers the risk of serious health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, heart disease, and high blood pressure. Exercise also has the ability to help change your attitude towards yourself by boosting your confidence. However, for someone who experiences bladder leakage, the idea of exercise can be daunting.

“Adhering to a regular workout routine can be a big challenge for anyone and I find that many women tend to put the needs of others before their own with workouts often being missed,” said Dr. Stacy Irvine Health and Fitness expert, Co-Owner Totum Life Science. “If we add to this challenge, an uncomfortable feeling due to concerns about bladder leakage, the chance of getting to your workout lessens even more.” In fact, in a recent CARP survey, many members reported they spent less time exercising after they experienced leaks. Bladder leakage doesn’t have to mean sidelining your favourite activities!

The good news is, with a few simple strategies and proper management, it is possible to stay protected and keep your mind off bladder leakage so you can fully enjoy your exercising worry-free.

Avoid caffeine before exercising
To lessen the likelihood of an unwanted surge while bending into a yoga pose, it’s recommended to save coffee, tea, or caffeinated sodas for after your workout as caffeine acts as a diuretic which stimulates the bladder.

Stay hydrated with H2O
It’s natural to assume drinking water before exercising will stimulate the bladder and make physical activity more difficult, but this is generally incorrect. Not only is it crucial to stay well hydrated while exercising but drinking less water increases the concentration of the urine, making bladder control more difficult.

Empty the bladder beforehand
Leaks are more likely to happen when the bladder is full, so it’s always a good idea to visit the washroom before exercising.  Staying hydrated is important during any physical activity and there is nothing wrong with taking a break during a workout or activity to remain comfortable.

Dress for comfort and confidence

Despite our best efforts, leaks happen from time to time. Still, it doesn’t mean we should run from the treadmill. A great way to ensure comfort and boost confidence when working out comes from choosing what to wear; dark clothing is always a safe choice.

But if you are looking for a guaranteed way of staying protected and keeping your mind at ease while exercising, then use a reliable bladder leakage protection product that is designed to deliver maximum security and comfort. Options like the ultra-sleek fitting Depend® Silhouette for Women and Depend® Real Fit for Men. Offering advanced protection that flexes with every move, both Depend® products feature the smoothest, softest shapewear fabric with an extended range of sizes that flatter any shape. The chic, modern designs create an underwear-like look and feel that is unnoticeable under clothes for trusted protection.

For more information on Depend® products and to order a free trial kit, visit depend.com. Subscribe and Save on your favourite Depend® products on Amazon.

For women who experience light leakage, Poise® Ultra-Thin Pads are the thinnest pads available that will keep you fresh and confident, with fast-absorbing protection that flexes to your every move. Poise® also offers the Original Pads for added protection that move seamlessly with your body so that you’re protected at any angle. They quickly absorb wetness and lock in odour to ensure you the security you need and comfort you want during your workouts. With so many great options available, the use of these products can help soothe nerves around exercise-induced surges so physical activities become more fun and less stressful, just the way they should be.

For more information on Poise® products and to try a free sample, visit poise.com.

Exercise the pelvic muscles
All muscles need exercise and the pelvic muscle is no exception as it helps with bladder control. Practicing 10 Kegel exercises three times a week in conjunction with your workout, can help avoid unwanted leaks, ultimately making exercise more comfortable. A Kegel is done by contracting the muscles used to stop the flow of urine. The contraction should be held for three seconds before relaxing. The best thing about this simple exercise is that it can be practiced anywhere, anytime with complete discretion.

Keep a bladder diary
Just like tracking daily steps, it’s a great idea to maintain a bladder diary detailing bladder activity and symptoms. This makes it possible to recognize patterns that can make dealing with bladder leakage easier. One might even identify the best window of time to most comfortably fit in a workout.

*If you’re not completely satisfied with your Depend® Underwear, we can help. Original receipt/UPC required. Restrictions apply. See Depend website for details. Purchase by 12/31/24. Mail in by 1/31/25.