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There’s a reason why it’s uncommon to see women over 40 on trampolines. A combination of hormonal changes, reduced muscle strength, weakened connective tissues, and the stress from pregnancy and childbirth creates a scenario where older women are prone to leakage when jumping.
This issue impacts 4.2 million women in the UK who are giving up beloved activities due to insufficient support for a condition described by experts as manageable. Recent research highlights that a surprising seven out of ten women cease gym activities, running, and other sports before reaching 40 due to bladder leaks.
Emily Clarkson, a journalist and daughter of Jeremy Clarkson, recently posted an honest Instagram video following her first ten-mile run after having a baby—an emotional achievement that was interrupted by an urgent bathroom break.
Powerlifter Emily Westray has also spoken openly about how she wet herself in the gym during a workout.
“There’s a common misconception that only older women or mothers encounter bladder weakness. I’m a fit 28-year-old, but during training and competitions, I sometimes experience leaks.”
“With powerlifting, there’s significant pressure placed on the core and pelvic floor, making it crucial to perform Kegel exercises to maintain a strong pelvic floor for everyday life.”
“There’s no shame in leaking, and we need to support open, honest conversations that boost awareness of pelvic health, so people understand when and how to seek assistance.”
“TENA’s campaign to expand PT education and knowledge is a great initiative to help keep women doing the sports they love.”
Pelvic floor issues are common yet entirely preventable – needing to pee should never stop you from seeing a PT.
One in three women in the UK experience bladder leaks, but gyms have been slow to catch up with support. Which is why bladder care brand TENA is calling on the UK’s biggest gyms to take action and make pelvic floor health a top priority to help keep women in sport.
In an open letter to PureGym, JD Gyms and Virgin Active, TENA has urged gyms and other sporting bodies to add pelvic floor education and Kegel exercises to warm-ups and create gym spaces where women feel confident and included, among other measures.
Because despite pelvic floor training being a proven solution, awareness and support remain shockingly low.
Jennifer Grayson, Brand Manager at TENA Women, said: “Women’s sport has never been stronger, with the Lionesses inspiring millions, but bladder leaks are quietly forcing thousands out of the game.
“This is an entirely avoidable barrier. Simple steps like adding Kegels to warm-ups, stocking products in bathrooms and training PTs on pelvic health could transform the way women experience fitness. We want gyms to step up and help women feel confident, supported and unstoppable.”
