The thought of working out on your period may sound dreadful to most women as the reality of having to battle terrible cramps, irritability, and those dreadful mood swings can be unpleasant. It is understandable that you may be concerned about how your period will affect your fitness routine, and you’re not alone.
Periods have the tendency to make us feel tired and less energetic, so it is not uncommon for most people to skip their workouts during this time of the month however I’m here to tell you that there is really no reason to skip out on your workout regimen just because you are on your period. Avoiding exercise isn’t going to save energy or make you feel better contrary to popular beliefs so Its time to start working WITH your menstrual cycle!
There are many benefits to this. Exercising at this time will enhance your mood and increase your blood circulation. Training during that time of the month will also alleviate cramps, headaches, or back pain associated with your period.
- Try Yoga and Pilates: You can also try taking up some yoga and Pilate classes to relax your body. This can potentially reduce symptoms like cramping, breast tenderness, and muscular fatigue.
- Focus on strength training: Believe it or not, lifting while on your period is actually a good thing! Low levels of progesterone actually helps increase muscle building ability. If you are suited enough for a nice gym session, you should not neglect your lifts.
- Go for a walk: As much as it’s a more convenient option to just lay in bed, this is the perfect time to incorporate some low-intensity cardio. Not only will walking benefit your fitness, but it is shown to help reduce menstrual cramps and can even help reduce bloating.
What not to do ;
The same way certain activities might be more appropriate to do during your period, there will also be exercises that you may find most uncomfortable. If you are not experiencing any discomfort from your period, feel free to continue with your regular exercise routine. You may want to cut back on an intense cardio or lifting routine.
Regular exercise is beneficial for your body and your mind. There’s no scientific reason you should skip out on your workouts during your period. In fact, there’s evidence that exercise can be helpful during this time.
The bottom line is this: Continue with exercise, but back off on the intensity, especially if you’re feeling fatigued. Vary your workouts, take extra time to recover, and honor what you’re capable of.
Reduce the intensity – the decrease in energy may make it harder for you to lift heavy weights. If you feel like this, simply just decrease the weight you are lifting and do a few extra reps to make the most of it!
Any form of exercise during this time is recommended. Don’t forget to listen to your body and determine your routine by how you feel!