This article originally ran in the July 2012 issue of Intimate magazine.
While outward appearances might help lure a sexual partner initially, what goes on underneath the sheets determines whether he or she will stick around. And there’s nothing quite like the firm grip of well-toned PC muscles to keep lovers together.
But chances are your customers, both male and female, are unaware how important it is to do exercises to keep those muscles strong.
Kegel training, named after gynecologist Dr. Arnold Kegel, is a strength practice that can tighten the pubococcygeus muscles. Known as the PC muscles, they help control the flow of urine in both genders—and they deteriorate through the years for a variety of reasons, including childbirth, weight gain and age.
Well-toned muscles can benefit both women and men. Women who do Kegel workouts experience longer, stronger orgasms as well as fewer bladder issues before and after childbirth. Kegel workouts for men can provide firmer erections, greater stamina and a healthier prostate.
The specialized exercises are part of a targeted routine that involves voluntary PC muscle contractions. Performed in daily reps for a mere 30 seconds, these can trigger immediate and lasting improvements for the pelvic region.
Emily Morse, host of the radio show and podcast Sex With Emily, is a Kegel Camp Counselor, so to speak. The newest version of her iPhone Kegel Camp app is a fun and easy way to do Kegel exercises, guiding users through 20 workouts that benefit both women and men. Morse has taken Kegel Camp to the next level, literally, by adding 11 new levels to her sexercise routine.
The Kegel Camp app shows users how to do these vital exercises correctly, with step-by-step instructions through a series of exercises.
“Most people know they are supposed to do Kegel exercises, but they don’t know how,” Morse told AVN. “The app is a way to remind people every day to do them, as well as guide them through how to do them.”
The app is an updated version of the original Kegel Camp, Morse said, with more levels of exercises. Each level features Morse’s voice guiding users through the exercises, which increase in intensity and duration with each level.
“The app is perfect for everyone,” Morse said. “Many men don’t realize that the exercises can benefit them, but I just tell them that they have PC muscles too!”
There is no nudity and no sexual innuendo in the app, Morse said, so the reminder to do the exercises can be set for any time.
For more on the Kegel Camp app, check the iTunes store, or visit SexWithEmily.com.
Additionally, traditional Kegel exercises for women can be stepped up a notch by with the use of Kegel exercise equipment. See below for a selection of both classic and new takes on vaginal exercise balls, a continuous bestseller at adult boutiques nationwide.
Ami | Je Joue | JeJoue.com The Ami differentiates itself from other Kegel exercisers in that it is a three-step, progressive set of PC muscle exercisers. The first step is a large, soft and lightweight single ball for beginners. The second is a medium-sized double ball that is soft but slightly heavier. The third is a small, hard and heavy double ball.
Retailing: Je Joue has made a name for itself with great products for women and their sexual health.
Colors: Purple
Materials: Phthalate-free silicone and ABS plastic
MSRP: $$$
Benwa Balls | Benwa | Benwa.com These are the original Kegel exercisers. The metal balls are weighted and slightly larger than the size of a marble. After inserting them into the vagina, the user strengthens the internal muscles by clenching to hold the balls in place.
Retailing: Tell customers they can start with one ball and eventually work up to using both.
Colors: Gold
Contents: Two Benwa balls
MSRP: $
Bliss Balls | Hustler Toys | HustlerToys.com These weighted balls from Hustler Toys help give a tighter feel to PC muscles, resulting in better control and more intense orgasms. They add a little bling to the boudoir with their metallic appearance. Each of the balls measures 2 inches in diameter. They are also waterproof, making them great for tub or shower play.
Retailing: The balls are crafted from durable plastic, making them easy to clean and safe for water-based lubricants.
Colors: Gold, silver
Dimensions: 2 inches diameter
MSRP: $
Climax Kegels | Topco Sales | TopcoSales.us The glass balls have a silicone strap that is easy to grip, making insertion and retrieval easier. Since they are crafted from glass and a removable silicone strap, they can be warmed or cooled for temperature play. Boiling them in water or placing them on the top rack of a dishwasher helps to sterilize them.
Retailing: The silicone strap becomes smooth and slick when lubricated.
Colors: Clear
Dimensions: 1.25 inches diameter
MSRP: $$
Classix Duo-Tone Balls | Pipedream Products | PipedreamProducts.com The sleek, weighted balls feature smaller metal balls inside larger, smooth plastic balls. The smaller balls continuously tumble with each movement. There is no noise as they work, however, since it’s metal-to-plastic contact.
Retailing: The balls can be used vaginally, but not anally (they could disappear up there).
Colors: Purple
Materials: ABS plastic, metal plating
MSRP: $$
Crystal Premium Glass Eggs | NS Novelties | NSNovelties.com Made from hand-blown premium borosilicate glass, these eggs have an oval shape for comfortable insertion. Since they are glass, they can be heated or cooled to personal taste, unlike many other Kegel exercisers. The come with a silk bag for storage and travel.
Retailing: A detailed instruction manual is included on how to use the eggs during Kegel exercises.
Styles: Black and white, pink stripes, pink with white stripes
Dimensions: 45mm by 27mm
MSRP: $$
First Time Love Balls Duo Lover | CalExotics | CalExotics.com These Kegel exercisers are connected with a cord that extends to form a looped handle. The balls are weighted for maximum effect, and are crafted from ABS plastic and coated with CalExotics’ PU Cote, giving the balls a velvety soft finish.
Retailing: The Love Balls Duo Lover are part of a line of products specifically designed for first-time users.
Colors: Pink
Display: Hanging
MSRP: $
Luna Beads | LELO | LELO.com A stylish and discreet alternative to the traditional “geisha balls,” these beads deliver a subtle, movement-induced vibe that prompts the muscles to contract, ensuring a comfortable and convenient workout. Luna Beads are made with FDA-approved and phthalate-free ABS and silicone.
Retailing: The Luna Beads come in an elegant gift box with a satin pouch for storage.
Colors: Petal pink, powder blue
Sizes: 28-gram beads (pink), 37-gram beads (blue)
MSRP: $$
Smartballs Kegel Kit | Fun Factory | FunFactory.com In May, Fun Factory reported a 300 percent increase in sales of its Smartballs, thanks to a mention of Kegel balls in the popular book Fifty Shades of Grey. But readers of the book were not the only ones interested in the company’s German-made Kegel exercisers. This spring, the University of Kansas Medical School's Kim Vandegeest-Wallace featured the Smartballs during a conference on pelvic pain. She said, “Including Fun Factory in the training with our students makes sense because the products are a valuable resource for patient care. More and more, medical professionals recommend Kegel balls to their patients for pelvic floor exercise.” The balls in Fun Factory’s Smartballs Kegel Kit were chosen by Vandegeest-Wallace for their body-safe materials and self-operating internal ball system.
Retailing: The Kegel Kit allows users to choose their colors for one Teneo Uno and one Teneo Duo, for a customized kit.
Colors: Varied
Display: Shelf
Wisper Collection Nen-Wa Balls | Nasstoys | Nasstoys.com The highly polished finish of the balls makes them easier to insert, especially when slicked with lube. The waterproof balls are strung together and a handy retrieval cord is also attached. The balls are made from phthalate-free ABS and easily clean up with hand washing.
Retailing: These are part of Nasstoys’ Wisper line, which has been popular with consumers.
Colors: Black, purple
Sizes: 1.25 inches
MSRP: $
