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In a world where women’s health is often overlooked or stigmatised, pelvic floor expert Coco Berlin is leading a movement to reconnect women with their bodies and revolutionise holistic wellbeing. Through her innovative method, rooted in dance, biomechanics and somatic therapy, Coco empowers women to cultivate strength, grace and resilience by unlocking the potential of their pelvic floor. In this exclusive Q&A, Coco shares her journey, insights into pelvic health and practical tips for embracing a more embodied and empowered life.

Coco, can you tell us about your journey? What inspired you to become a pelvic floor expert?
It really was a journey, and it started with dance! People often ask how a young woman, who has never been pregnant, came to focus on the pelvic floor. It’s only recently that we’ve begun to understand its role beyond postpartum care and incontinence.

I fell in love with dancing as a child. It became an escape from the difficulties of my childhood and the disconnection I felt from my body. I was mesmerised by on-screen dancers and the adventurous lives of femme fatales like Mata Hari, Anita Berber, and Kiki de Montparnasse. Inspired by their power and freedom, I threw myself into art, studying contemporary and belly dance, which later became my profession.

Despite my success—creating shows, appearing on TV, and working with big brands—I felt a lack of connection to my pelvis. This led me to Egypt, the birthplace of belly dance, where I immersed myself in the art form. I discovered the secret to the dancers’ embodied movement was a form of biological intelligence we’ve often denied in the West.

My journey continued through advanced dance training and research into the pelvic floor, fascia, biomechanics, and somatic psychotherapy. I realised the transformative power of pelvic floor integration—not only in movement but in my physical and emotional wellbeing. It grounded me, quietened my insecurities, and helped me feel truly at home in my body.

When I began sharing this knowledge with my students, their amazement mirrored my own. They, too, discovered how to reconnect with their bodies and experience a newfound sense of power.

How did your background in dance influence your approach to health and wellbeing?
My relationship with dance has shaped my approach entirely. Dance taught me that movement is a powerful way to strengthen the mind-body connection. I’ve developed a method that helps women of all ages train this connection, enabling them to understand their bodies deeply and live more fully. It’s also a key to holistic health and longevity.

For women who are unfamiliar, what exactly is the pelvic floor, and why is it so essential to overall health and vitality?
The pelvic floor is the foundation of our musculoskeletal system—a complex network of muscles and tissues in the lower pelvis. It needs to be strong yet flexible, as it supports our organs, stabilises movement, and controls abdominal pressure. It works in harmony with the diaphragm, abdominal muscles, and back muscles, forming our core and ensuring good posture.

Pelvic floor health affects everything from continence and sexual function to posture and mental health. Unfortunately, due to sedentary lifestyles and cultural taboos, many women are unaware of its importance. This ignorance often leads to weakened or overly tense pelvic floor muscles, causing issues like incontinence, pain, and sexual dysfunction.

What are some common misconceptions about pelvic floor health that you encounter in your work?
One major misconception is the idea that pelvic floor exercises are all about Kegels. Squeezing your sphincters only engages a small fraction of the pelvic floor and can create tension while neglecting the deeper, more important muscles like the levator ani.

The pelvic floor isn’t just about strength; it’s about balance. Many women have weak pelvic floors that are also overly tight. Addressing these imbalances is essential to prevent problems like prolapse, back pain, and even anxiety or depression, which are linked to pelvic floor dysfunction.

What are some specific benefits women can experience from regular pelvic floor exercises, both physically and emotionally?
By integrating the pelvic floor into natural movement, your posture improves, your movements become more efficient, and everyday tasks like walking or sitting feel effortless.

On a physical level, your pelvic organs are lifted, your vagina becomes stronger and more sensitive, and your sexual health improves. Psychologically, studies show that a well-trained pelvic floor enhances stress resilience, reduces anxiety, and boosts confidence.

Many women feel disconnected from their bodies, especially in today’s fast-paced world. How can pelvic floor work help women reconnect with their physical selves?
This method shifts the way we perceive our bodies. Instead of seeing our bodies as objects we possess, we learn to inhabit them fully. When we experience life through our bodies—feeling our heartbeat, sensing movement—we cultivate true self-love and harmony.

The guided exercises I teach help women reconnect with themselves, fostering confidence, freedom, and a deep sense of embodiment.

What is one simple pelvic floor exercise that readers could start practising today to improve their wellbeing?
Pelvic Floor Breathing:
Start in a relaxed position and focus on your pelvis. Can you feel any movement as you breathe? As you inhale, imagine your pelvic floor expanding. As you exhale, feel it relax and sink into the floor. This exercise helps you connect to your body, calm your mind, and find power in challenging situations.

Your work involves a blend of Eastern and Western techniques. How do you combine different approaches in your practice?
I’ve always been drawn to both the mysticism of Eastern traditions and the measurable results of Western science. My method blends these perspectives, focusing on what truly works for healing and empowerment.

What does your personal daily health and wellbeing routine look like? How do you prioritise your own body and mind?
I start my mornings with movement and somatic practices, following what feels good for my body. After breakfast, I work on my business, taking breaks for walks or short somatic exercises to stay grounded. Evenings and weekends are for unstructured time—nature walks, art, or the beach—which keeps me balanced and inspired.

As a leader in women’s health, how do you balance your professional work with maintaining your own wellbeing?
I prioritise time for myself. My best ideas come while dancing or in moments of relaxation, not when I’m overworking. This balance allows me to create meaningful work while staying energised.

What advice would you give to women who struggle with confidence around their bodies, especially regarding intimate health?
Confidence comes from within. It’s not about judging your body externally but feeling it from the inside. By tuning into the sensations of your body and embracing movement, you unlock a sense of gratitude and love that’s truly empowering.

What would you say to women who might be hesitant or shy about exploring pelvic floor health?
You only have one body—don’t wait. Start small, explore, and see how it transforms your life. There’s nothing to lose, only freedom and confidence to gain.

What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects, workshops, or methods you’re excited to share?
We’re expanding our popular programmes and professional training courses, and I’m consolidating my body of work to make it more accessible. My first book, Pussy Yoga, is already available in five languages, and my second book will be released in English in 2025.

If you could give women one piece of advice when it comes to taking care of their bodies, what would it be?
Prioritise yourself. Embody your life fully—it’s too precious to spend disconnected from your true power.

coco-berlin.com

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