Floored: A Woman's Guide to Pelvic Floor Health at Every Age and Stage

This book is a masterclass in everything we should have been taught about our bodies in school but never were. As a long-time follower of 'The Vagina Whisperer' on Instagram, I was already familiar with some of the advice, but having it all organized in one place is invaluable. Reardon writes with such a clear, encouraging tone that makes even the most awkward topics feel like a chat with a smart friend. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on breathing techniques and why we should never hold our breath during a heavy lift. It’s practical, empowering, and personally life-changing if you struggle with leaking or discomfort. While some sections felt a bit repetitive, the foundational knowledge is so vital that I didn’t mind the extra reinforcement. If you have a vagina, you need this on your shelf immediately.

Wow, I wish I had this book ten years ago before my first pregnancy left me feeling totally disconnected from my core. Reardon breaks down the science of the pelvic floor in a way that is accessible without being patronizing. The advice on using lubricant and avoiding the 'just in case' pee was a total eye-opener for me. In my experience, the section on perimenopause was the most enlightening part, especially the connection between weight training and pelvic support. It’s refreshing to see a medical professional treat these 'taboo' topics with such positivity and expertise. I've already started the exercises and have noticed a massive difference in my stability during workouts. This is essential reading for literally every stage of life.

The chapter on perimenopause alone makes this entire book worth the purchase price for women of a certain age. Reardon manages to make pelvic floor physical therapy feel like something everyone can and should do, rather than a scary medical intervention. I appreciated the specific tips on using feet elevation during bowel movements and the emphasis on staying hydrated for muscle health. Look, the book is designed to be a reference, so yes, some info is repeated, but that just helps the main points stick. I feel much more confident in my body’s ability to age gracefully now that I have these tools in my arsenal. It’s a positive, informative, and deeply necessary manual for anyone with a vagina.

As someone who has struggled with pelvic pain for years, reading this felt like finally being heard by a medical professional. Reardon’s approach is so holistic and kind, taking the shame out of things like incontinence and sexual discomfort. I learned so much about the importance of not pushing when I pee and why breathing is the secret to a strong floor. To be fair, I think everyone—regardless of their current health status—could benefit from the preventative tips found here. The section on lifting weights as we age was particularly motivating for me to get back into the gym. It’s a comprehensive guide that I know I will return to whenever my body starts acting up. Truly a gift to women everywhere.

After hearing so many good things about 'Floored,' I had high expectations, and I’m happy to say it delivered. The way the author explains the mechanics of our internal muscles is fascinating and surprisingly easy to visualize. I particularly liked the 'takeaway' summaries because they distill complex physical therapy concepts into actionable daily habits. It’s a very positive book that focuses on what our bodies can do rather than just listing what's wrong with them. My only small gripe is that it could be more inclusive of different gender identities, but it’s a huge step in the right direction. I’ve already recommended it to my sisters and my mom because everyone needs to know this stuff. Don't wait for a problem to start reading this!

Let's be real: we are generally taught nothing about our pelvic floors, and this book is the manual we all deserved. I loved how Dr. Reardon bridges the gap between clinical advice and real-life application, especially regarding postpartum recovery and menopause. The instructions on breathing through exertion have already changed the way I approach my morning pilates and weightlifting sessions. Personally, I found the tone to be incredibly reassuring, like a supportive coach guiding you through the weirdness of your own anatomy. While it is definitely a 'medical' book, it never feels dry or boring because the stakes are so personal to our quality of life. Grab a copy, get a stool for your bathroom, and start breathing better—your future self will thank you.

Ever wonder why nobody talks about pelvic health until there’s a major problem? Dr. Reardon is changing that narrative with this comprehensive guide that covers everything from pregnancy to menopause. I found the specific tips on 'toileting posture'—shoutout to the Squatty Potty fans—to be incredibly helpful for daily life. Not gonna lie, the middle sections get a little redundant, and I felt like the author kept hammering home the same three points about hydration and lube. However, the exercises are well-explained, even if they are a bit tricky to visualize without seeing the videos. It’s a solid resource for anyone looking to be proactive about their health as they age. Every woman should at least skim this to understand how their internal muscles actually function.

Picked this up because I was tired of hearing that 'peeing a little' when you sneeze is just a normal part of being a mom. Truth is, it’s common but not normal, and this book explains exactly how to fix it through targeted physical therapy. The writing style is punchy and direct, which makes the medical jargon much easier to digest during a busy day. I did feel that some of the language was a bit geared toward able-bodied individuals, and it would have benefited from a more inclusive lens for disabled folks. That said, the core takeaways—like exhaling on the 'work' part of a lift—are game changers for my gym routine. It's a great companion piece to her Vhive membership if you’re already a fan.

Finally got around to reading this after seeing it all over my feed, and I have mixed but mostly positive feelings. On the one hand, the information is top-tier; Dr. Reardon clearly knows her stuff and presents it with genuine care. On the other hand, if you already follow her on Instagram, you might find that you know about 80% of this already. The audiobook version is a bit difficult because you can’t see the diagrams for the exercises while you’re driving or doing chores. I’d suggest getting the physical copy so you can dog-ear the pages on postpartum recovery and lifting techniques. It’s a solid 4-star read that fills a massive gap in women’s healthcare literature.

Not what I expected given the high praise, although the medical information itself is undeniably high-quality and important. Frankly, the book is extremely repetitive and could have probably been a long-form pamphlet or a series of blog posts. By the time I hit chapter five, I felt like I was reading the same instructions on how to breathe through exertion over and over again. Also, a word of caution: chapters 8 and 9 go into very graphic detail about birth trauma and recovery. As someone who had a difficult delivery, I found these parts quite triggering and had to skip ahead to protect my peace. It’s a good reference for specific issues, but reading it cover-to-cover felt like a chore. I’d recommend just following her social media instead.