Low Pressure Fitness Training

Lisa Stavrakas, LMT
July – Aug 2025 • Vol 4, No 17

Are you experiencing any of these symptoms?
 

• A weak core
• Pelvic-floor dysfunction
• Urinary incontinence
• Organ prolapses
• Poor posture
• Shallow or restricted breathing
• Pelvic pain
• Low-back pain
• Poor athletic performance
• Constipation
• Diastasis recti (a separation of the muscles along the midline of the abdomen, typically seen in women during and after pregnancy)

If so, then Low Pressure Fitness (LPF) may be the answer to your problems. LPF is a comprehensive, holistic movement system that tar-gets the core and pelvic floor muscles (coordinating and toning the muscles), restores posture and myofascial mobility, and helps to improve breathing by focusing on diaphragm and lateral rib cage movement and position. LPF combines breathing, posture, and low-impact exercises to improve core strength, pelvic health, spinal alignment, and enhance sports performance. The practice uses “hypopressive” breath techniques (breath hold or apnea), which involve controlled breathing phases that create a suctioning effect, activating deep core muscles and the pelvic floor.

By focusing on proper posture and managing intra-abdominal pressure, LPF helps individuals develop a stronger, more stable core while reducing unnecessary stress on the pelvic region.

Hypopressive Low Pressure Fitness Training is far more than just a breathing technique. There are specific technical patterns that have been created; each pattern has been studied to facilitate the decrease in pressure and amplify the hypopressive effects, to raise the internal organs and achieve better posture. On the following page are the major benefits often experienced by those who take up Hypopressive Low Pressure Fitness Training.

BENEFITS OF LOW PRESSURE FITNESS (LPF)

• Tones & strengthens core & pelvic floor muscles
• Improves urinary incontinence problems
• Reduces the effects of organ prolapse
• Posture & respiratory reeducation
• Enhances sports performance
• Decreases abdominal girth
• Enhances sexual activity
• Reduces back pain

The postural tensegrity (a word that combines ‘tension’ and ‘integrity’) developed within each pose creates a more balanced and functional body as a whole. If there is movement, pulling or pushing in one area, energy is sent through the entire body, and everything moves creating a global visceral, fascial, and muscular stretch.

Within the poses, there are specific areas of pull, lengthening, pull or axial shift forward to achieve this response and in the end, you are left with better alignment, continuity, and an overall improved carriage. When you improve one’s posture, you are also helping to improve one’s breathing ability and vice-versa, all of which creates a core body that can move synergistically and manage the stresses of everyday living, in addition to the physical activities we love.

The method is adaptable to individual needs and fitness levels, making it suitable for anyone looking to improve their health and posture. LPF is beneficial in recovering from an injury and is a gentle yet powerful tool you can add to your wellness routine.

Lisa Stavrakas is an LMT, a Yoga Instructor, and an Ayurvedic Wellness Coach. Lisa has added Low Pressure Fitness to her holistic offerings for optimal health. She works with clients remotely through private online sessions and offers both in-person and virtual classes for those seeking guided support on their wellness journey.