Hypopressive Training
The terminology – Hypopressive translates to the following ‘hypo’ meaning low and ‘pressive’ meaning pressure.
Hypopressive training is not new, it has been around for thousands of years, used in yoga practice and known as Uddiyana Bhanda. The breathing technique is not only used to strengthen the abdominal muscles, but it can also help to mobilise the viscera, strengthen the respiratory system, and energise the body.
Adopted by bodybuilders in the late 1970’s, the hypopressive technique was used and renamed the “abdominal vacuum”. Using the technique to pose helped to reduce their waist size whilst highlighting thoracic muscles.
Developed in the 1980’s in Europe by Dr. Marcel Caufriez was modern day hypopressive exercise. The technique was aimed at postnatal women with pelvic organ prolapse and incontinence as a form of rehabilitation.
In 2014 Low Pressure Fitness (LPF) was created by Dr Tamara Rial and Piti Pinsach as a full body exercise programme which integrates the hypopressive technique with a sequence of seamless progressive postures and poses. The technique causes a reduction in pressure in the abdomen and triggers an automatic response from the core muscles. It is widely popular in Spain however, is now becoming more recognised in the UK as an aid for many musculoskeletal issues including postnatal recovery and pelvic floor dysfunctions.