Should I Exercise during my Periods?

Exercising while on your period might seem like an avoidable thing to do, but it can really help you alleviate Menstrual symptoms. There are, however, some limitations that you need to be aware of.

Let’s look at the benefits:

Many women feel that exercise is the last thing that they would want to do while they have their menstrual cycle and others have heard various myths about exercise in general. 

 Exercise on your period has been proven to alleviate many symptoms associated with your cycle such as :

Ø  pain

Ø  cramps

Ø  bloating

Ø  depression

Ø  mood swings

Ø  irritability

Ø  fatigue

Ø  nausea

There are physical and chemical changes that occur in a woman’s body during menstruation that can be alleviated by exercise. In fact, exercise itself can affect your body physically and chemically.

Through exercise, you can increase the production of endorphins (“feel-good hormones”) and reduce anxiety, depression, pain, thus improving your mood.

These Exercises are the best choices to do while on your period:

Ø  Walking: this is an easy exercise that you can incorporate into your day and usually does not require any special equipment, clothing or location. Even better is that it really does not take that much time and you can adjust your speed to fit your level of discomfort during that time.

Ø  Light cardio or aerobic exercise: this is not meant to be a stressful workout. The key word here is “light”. This can be a shorter amount of time on the cycle or in the pool, but far less time than you would normally devote any other day.

Ø  Strength training: If you are up to it, try some low-volume exercises. You should decrease the weight you might normally use. No really heavy-duty lifting at this time in your cycle.

Ø  Gentle stretch and balancing: yoga is great for relaxation of the muscles and decreasing cramps and pain.

Ø  Pilates is good for stretching muscles and reducing cramps and the menstrual pain that comes with them.

Please note that exercising while on your period should not put additional stress on your body, cause additional pain or interfere with the normal process of your cycle. If you feel unusually fatigued, nauseous, or there is an increase in pain or discomfort, stop what you are doing and rest. If these symptoms continue — stop completely.

Also please maintain proper personal hygiene during your period. It is a good idea to carry some type of feminine products with you when you exercise anyway. In case you feel  any discomfort or have unnecessary spotting not please contact your gynecologist.