Is It Normal to Leak When I Exercise?

You deserve to feel strong, free, and confident in every step you take — pelvic floor health is the foundation.

Have you ever been crushing a workout — running, lifting, jumping — and suddenly felt that oh no moment? Maybe a small leak of urine, maybe just enough to make you feel uncomfortable and embarrassed.

First things first: You're not alone. And no, it's not something you just have to "live with."

At Sage Physical Therapy and Wellness, we see this all the time — and the good news is, there are real, lasting solutions.

So, is it normal to leak during exercise? It’s common, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal.

Leaking when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump, or lift heavy weights is called stress urinary incontinence. It usually happens because the muscles of the pelvic floor — the ones that support your bladder, uterus, and rectum — are either too weak, too tense, or not coordinating properly with the rest of your core muscles.

Why does it happen?

• Pregnancy and childbirth (even years later!)

• Hormonal changes (hello, perimenopause)

• Chronic constipation or straining

• Heavy lifting with poor pelvic floor engagement

• High-impact sports over time

The good news? You don't have to stop exercising. You don’t have to live with panty liners or bathroom anxiety. You just need the right kind of help.

With the right support, you can reconnect with your body, move with ease, and enjoy life without limitations.

How Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy Can Help:

• We teach you how to properly activate and coordinate your pelvic floor and deep core muscles.

• We retrain your body for better pressure management during movement.

• We customize exercises and strategies specific to your body and your goals — whether that’s running marathons, lifting your kids, or just laughing with confidence again.

At Sage Physical Therapy and Wellness, we specialize in helping women reclaim their strength, freedom, and confidence — so they can live fully, move freely, and feel empowered in their bodies.

💬 If you're ready to take the first step, contact us here or call 248-717-0099 for your free 15 minute consultation!