Rock-hard abs, slim thighs and a tight ass will undoubtedly improve your sex life. But when it comes to pure, orgasmic ecstasy, it's what's inside that counts.
And inside every woman are the PC muscles, the internal muscle group that holds and hugs a penis, (or any pleasure device) upon entry. In-shape PC muscles will provide maximum sensation for both men and women, but loose ones ... well, as the saying goes, it's like throwing a hot dog down a hallway. The stretching of this area from factors like aging, weight gain, pregnancy, or just normal wear and tear is inevitable.
But instead of rushing to the surgeon for emergency vaginal reconstruction, many women are considering a far less drastic approach.
Kegel training, named after gynecologist Dr. Arnold Kegel, is a strength practice that can tighten those muscles right back up. The specialized exercises are part of a targeted routine that features voluntary PC muscle contractions. Performed in daily reps for a mere 30 seconds, these can trigger immediate and lasting improvements for the pelvic region.
But for the average woman, PC muscles are mysterious and can be as elusive as the G-spot. The muscles can be worked out, and those workouts can be stepped up a notch by using Kegel exercise equipment, a continuous bestseller at adult novelty shops nationwide. "When you add a specific training aid, it allows you to be more focused, similar to adding a barbell to your arm curls," says Susan Montani, vice president of sales at the Sinclair Institute. The company touts its Natural Contours Energie Vaginal Muscles Exerciser as one of the most medically beneficial ways to keep the PC muscles in great condition. Its ergonomic shape is weighted unevenly on both sides in order to create a variation of resistance depending on which end is inserted first. The Natural Contours Energie has a curved sexy look that comes in a soothing, mint green color. "It also has a clinical feel," that Susan says reminds consumers of the medical benefits of the device.
Kegel exercise tools are "great for massaging the muscles" says Fun Factory's Marketing, Sales and Customer Relations Manager Rudy Kottbauer. He highly recommends Smartballs, the company's primary version of a Kegel trainer. Smartballs are insertable balls that can be left in for up to three hours, and then easily removed by a pulley ribbon that remains outside the body, similar to a tampon.
Smartballs are available in several color combinations. Filling and pleasurable, they fit comfortably into the vagina, and squeezing them is probably the most enjoyable workout of the year. A surprising sensation provided by Smartballs is the inner ball that rattles against the PC muscle in response to movement. "These are the same metal balls that are in a computer mouse," says Rudy. Another popular feature is the outer, non-porous surface that is "completely safe, easy to clean and compatible with any lubricant on the market."
There are a wide variety of Kegel training products available, and here are a few we staked out:
Betty's Vaginal Barbell - Designed by renowned female sexologist, the barbell is stainless steel and weighs almost a full pound. Its sturdiness makes it eligible for the "family heirloom category" and the built-in weights hold it securely in place once inserted. Best of all, it doubles as an effective pleasure device. DodsonAndRoss.com
Kegelcisor - Coming from the medical side of sex but still fun enough to be labeled a toy, its smooth shape is great for that tough to achieve, G-spot stimulation. The Kegelcisor will "tighten those muscles right back up" says Pamela Doan, publis relations manager at Babeland. It is also accompanied by complete exercise instructions. Babeland.com
Luna Balls - Developed as a modular alternative to geisha balls, these luxurious balls come in lovely pastel shades of pink and blue. "If someone wants a light workout they can use the pink weighted balls in unison or singular, and if a person desires more of a workout, they can use the blue beads," says Shaye Saldana, sales and marketing manager of LELO, Inc. Daily use is recommended for more intense orgasms. LELO.com
Juno - Constructed by Dr. Laura Berman and Intimate Basics, it is made of seamless Lucite and closely resembles a vibrator or dildo shape. "The graduated structure is ideal for anyone who has difficulty with the insertion of bulbous shapes," says Al Bloom, director of marketing at California Exotic Novelties. The Juno has a clear, curvaceous body encasing several weights which promote continuous strength development. CalExotics.com
Smartballs - "They will become your new best friend in a heartbeat" due to texture, colors and pure stimulation accompanied with the health benefits. Smartballs also come with complimentary lubricant. FunFactoryUSA.com
Natural Contours Energie - A contoured PC exerciser ideal for targeting the muscle group. It is "a great sexual health aid" with maximum benefits whether you are post-child birth or just maintaining. SinclairWholesale.com
