Share this page with friends

How to choose incontinence products for active lifestyles

Just because you’re leaking a bit of urine, or even a lot of urine, you shouldn’t have to give up the things you enjoy. If you’re someone who enjoys getting out and about, it might come as a surprise to find there are actually plenty of incontinence products designed specifically for people with active lifestyles. So, if you’re a walker, biker, hiker, runner, boxer, Formula One driver, or just a normal person who enjoys a trip to the park with the kids, we’ve got some recommendations to keep on living your best life.

Incontinence is super common, with 14 million people in the UK alone living with some degree of bladder weakness. You’re not alone, and you can guarantee that there are a bunch of people at your gym or exercise class with the exact same bladder issues as you. People just aren’t always that open about it.

So anyway, let’s dive right in shall we?

Features to look out for

Breathable materials

If you’re going to be spending a lot of time moving around, you’ll need an incontinence product that promotes airflow and flexibility. The products you’re after usually have names like ‘active fit’ or they’ll use that kind of sporty language. By choosing breathable materials, you’ll keep air circulating, which prevents skin irritation and keeps you comfortable. Sweating is totally natural when you’re active, and products that can breathe well will help keep you cool and prevent a build-up of moisture. If you can find products that don’t contain harsh chemicals, that’s even better.

Rapid absorption

Quickly absorbing liquids is essential for stopping leaks in their tracks. The quicker all of that pee is soaked up, the less likely it is to leak out. Plus, the quicker urine is drawn away from the skin, the less likely you are to experience irritation.

Discretion

If you’re sporting your fancy new lycra or yoga pants, the last thing you want is some bulky, unflattering pads/pants ruining your vibe, right? Luckily there are incontinence products out there that are super small and discreet. Some even look and feel just like regular underwear. When looking around for discreet incontinence items, take a look at their design, do they look comfortable to move around in? Thin, low-profile options that aren’t bulky will help keep them invisible under your clothing.

Odour control

If you’re concerned about the smell of pee, make sure you keep an eye out for products with odour control technologies. The last thing you need at your fitness class around all your friends is the lingering anxiety of nasty odours. Luckily, inside the core of many incontinence products are super absorbent pearls that actively work to neutralise odours as soon as any liquid is absorbed. The pearls act quickly to turn the absorbed liquids into a gel, where it’s totally locked away.

Shop the Vivactive range

Which incontinence products will suit my active lifestyle?

Well, now that we’ve talked a bit about what features to look for, let’s take a look at some product recommendations. Whether you enjoy daily walks, hit the gym sometimes, or lead an on-the-go lifestyle, the right incontinence products can make all the difference.

Disposable incontinence pants

Vivactive Men Active Fit

They’ve been designed specifically to provide superior protection while you’re on the go. They’re chocked full of incontinence tech, like the industry-leading RAPIDABSORB Tubes™ which allows them to absorb urine 20% faster than some other brands. Their discreet design means you’re free from bulky pants while you’re on the move.

Reinforced anti-leak cuffs mean you get twice the protection against leaks whether you’re standing, sitting, or flying down a slide with your kids. They even pull up easily, just like regular underwear and their unique blue colour gives you an extra layer of discretion so nobody will know you’re wearing incontinence pants.

Shop Vivactive Men Active Fit

Lady discreet pants

Our innovative RAPIDABSORB Tubes™ distribute liquid quickly and evenly into an ultra-absorbent core to keep you feeling fresh, dry and protected against leaks.

Made from a soft, cotton-feel, breathable, stretchy material designed to promote airflow to your skin and keep you feeling comfortable. They’re made using virgin fluff fibres that don’t contain any ‘nasties’ like chlorine or extra additives. Plus, they’re dermatologically tested and latex-free.

They’ve been designed specifically to look more like your regular underwear, whilst also providing maximum protection.

Shop Vivactive Lady Discreet Pants

Disposable incontinence pads

Vivactive Men Level 1

Ideal for men with light incontinence looking to maintain an active lifestyle. These small pads provide reliable protection with a focus on comfort, discretion, and performance. Their slim profile means they’re easy to wear discreetly inside your underwear.

The absorbent core uses advanced technology to quickly draw moisture away from your skin, locking it away so you can stay dry and fresh. They contain double barrier cuffs with a contoured fit, which prevents leaks even while you’re out and about. The pad's shape is specifically tailored for men, with male parts in mind.

Shop Vivactive Men Level 1

Lady discreet pads

Vivactive’s Lady Discreet range is the perfect choice for women with incontinence leading an active lifestyle. These pads deliver high absorption and discreet protection. With a profile compressed to be over 50% thinner than some other pads, they’re super discreet. No more visible bulk.

The innovative TRIPLE LAYER LOCK™ technology rapidly absorbs urine, drawing it away from your skin much faster than some other pads. The core locks in any liquids, keeping you dry and fresh without the risk of leakage.

The Aloe Vera-enriched top sheet soothes and protects, making them comfortable even with long-term wear. They’re individually wrapped and easy to carry, making them ideal for busy, on-the-go lifestyles.

Shop Vivactive Lady Discreet Pads

Washable incontinence pants

Vivactive pants are an ideal choice for people experiencing light bladder leaks. They’re the most discreet option, looking almost identical to your regular underwear. The only difference is that they feature a small, absorbent pad in the crotch area to soak up any minor leakage. Their supersoft cotton materials make them a comfortable choice even for long periods of time.

Vivactive’s male washable trunks can last for 250 or more washes, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to disposable incontinence products. They’re available in a bunch of stylish colours, blending in seamlessly in your underwear drawer. Their superior discretion means you can wear them anywhere, from the gym to the office, without anyone noticing.

Shop Vivactive Washable Pants

Have you tried pelvic floor exercises?

Finding brilliant incontinence products will certainly help you in the short term. But, in the long run, building a strong pelvic floor is going to provide huge benefits for your bladder. Building a strong pelvic floor is a really important part of helping to reduce your bladder leaks. They’re easy also super easy to perform. If you’re living an active lifestyle then getting in some pelvic floor exercises is going to have a positive impact on your life.

1. Reduce your risk of developing incontinence
One of the primary functions of the pelvic floor is controlling the release of your poo and wee. Weak pelvic floor muscles can lead to leakage when sneezing, coughing, or even laughing. Similarly, fecal incontinence, although less talked about, can also result from pelvic floor weakness. Building and maintaining a strong pelvic floor not only reduces your risk of developing incontinence, but it’ll also help you regain control if you’re already incontinent.

2. Pregnancy and postpartum health
This one’s just for the females. During pregnancy, your body undergoes big changes. During this time, the pelvic floor experiences added stress. Strong pelvic floor muscles can help support a growing uterus, reducing the risk of complications like pelvic organ prolapse. Strengthening these muscles after giving birth helps with recovery and helps to prevent long-term issues, such as stress urinary incontinence. You can read all about postpartum leakage here.

3. Back and pelvic stability
Beyond maintaining continence and keeping your organs in place, a robust pelvic floor can contribute to overall body stability. These muscles work with the abdominal and back muscles to support the spine and pelvis. A weak pelvic floor can lead to issues like lower back pain and pelvic instability, affecting your mobility and quality of life.

Kegel’ing is usually the go-to pelvic floor exercise. They’re really simple and you can perform them absolutely anywhere, anytime.

If you’re looking for some more in-depth pelvic floor exercises, why not take a look at our video? Personal trainer Natalie Small demonstrates some fantastic pelvic floor exercises that you can try in the comfort of your own home.