Does the mere thought of exercise during your period make you annoyed and you wish to retire your workout gear for good? Well, you’re not all wrong and alone; the first day of your period is very tiring considering you feel low on energy, menstrual cramps haunt your body, and you are in an ongoing war with your mood swings. You pretty much feel knocked out and so any sort of physical activity is out of the question. A lot of people prefer to skip their workouts when they’re being visited by Aunt Flo, but there’s really no need to do that. I bet you didn’t know that you will actually make it easier on yourself and feel better both mentally and physically if you exercise during your period. It’s true, exercise can lead to a release of pain caused by your menstrual cramps. Exercise can also be a really good solution to regulate your period flow and also make sure that you don’t suffer from irregular periods. Trust us when we tell you that exercising while you’re menstruating is completely safe and can help enhance your well-being.
What are the benefits of exercising during your period?
A common misconception which is famous among females is that if you exercise during your periods, it might lead to some health risk or have a negative effect on your body. Well, it turns out that no study has yet proven that working out during period is harmful. In fact, a study shows that training in the first two weeks of your menstrual cycle is ideal for your body rather than the last two weeks as it helps improve your resistance training. So, make sure you know that the benefits of exercise, both mentally and physically, and don’t go on pause just because you have your period. You are not going to save any energy or feel better by not exercising, so why not take a closer look at some of the benefits of working out during your period.
How does exercise help fight PMS?
Every individual goes through a different level of PMS. You can either suffer from minor mood swings or you can suffer from small bouts of anxiety or depression. There are also people who don’t suffer from any sort of mood changes; it all depends on how the hormones work in your body. So, experiencing sudden shifts in your mood during your periods is quite normal and there’s no need to feel bad. Instead, you should focus on being more active and start exercising.
Moving your body will naturally increase your endorphin levels which will have a very positive effect on your mood and help you feel better. Endorphins are the chemicals released by your body when you work out. They are natural painkillers as they get in touch with your brain receptors and reduce your pain sensitivity.
You might even say that your body experiences a positive feeling triggered by endorphins, very much similar to what morphine does. There are various studies conducted as well which show that exercise can push away depression and is a great mood booster. That’s why you should get moving to battle those period blues! So if you’re wondering “should I exercise during my period” then the answer is yes, because you can fight off PMS.
How can I get rid of my period cramps and improve my blood circulation?
Some of us who suffer from very severe menstrual cramps know all too well how uncomfortable and painful that time of the month is. Being stressed or anxious can increase the cramps and make them unbearable for you, so it’s best to control your stress and anxiety during this time as much as possible. That is why we really enforce working out because a good workout can help release your stress which will lead to less severe cramps. In addition to that, exercise will also boost good blood flow which is excellent to reduce the pain of your menstrual cramps. Also, if you think you are not bleeding properly and there is some kind of menstrual block, then a good workout is an ideal solution for a healthy period flow. Exercising is one of the best ways to stay active and maintain your figure. But some people choose to freeze their fat. This is one of the ways get rid of fat.
While we are on our period, we feel a bit low on energy which also messes up our sleep schedule. We feel fatigued and don’t feel like moving or doing anything at all. This is the time that you should definitely be working out to boost your energy levels. The first 10 minutes of your exercise will be a bit painful considering your period cramps and extreme tiredness, but slowly your body will adapt. Your energy level will start increasing, and it will be easier to ditch fatigue. Various studies have shown that exercise can make you feel better and do as much to even improve your mood. There are people who get headaches during their period and the best way to relieve pain is to work out for a while. The first few days of your period your body needs to relax as well so make sure you have a healthy combination of exercise and rest. Don’t overdo one or the other.
By not regulating your circulation, you are putting yourself at risk for an irregular period. Irregular periods are unhealthy for your body. If you think your period is late or your menstrual cycle has no regularity then good physical activity can be very helpful. The best way to make sure you get your period on time is to be more active a few days before your period and maintain a healthy diet. There are various fruits and herbs which help kickstart an overdue or irregular period for e.g. papaya, pineapples, and parsley. Regular exercise combined with a good diet is an excellent way to regulate your period.
What type of exercise is best during your period?
You don’t have to do hardcore workouts during your period to enjoy the benefits. You can opt for a walk or some light jogging in the park and it will be perfect for your body. When you’re feeling down or have cramps, you don’t exactly feel like doing an intensive exercise so it is better to start with something light. First, figure out what type of exercise you can do or you like doing. Don’t set out unrealistic exercise goals and burden yourself. Listen to your body and find out whether you want to go on a light run or do some yoga stretches to relieve yourself of the menstrual cramps.
You can do some aerobic exercises, dance or cardio. It is never too late to consult a fitness guru if you feel confused about what exercises are best for your period body. There is nothing stopping you from exercising during your period. You just have to make sure that your workout is period friendly and the menstrual product you use, whether it’s a sanitary pad or a cup, is comfortable and secure to avoid any leakage. Every period of yours will be different for your body, sometimes you will be able to do really good workouts and the other times you’ll want to do something light. It is completely fine to transition between full power and light activity because the main purpose of exercise during your period is to make you feel good and healthy.
Natural herbs to reduce period pain
You may even want to consider taking all natural herbs as this has been proven to bring relief to your menstrual cycle. You may or may not be familiar with these herbs, but they have been proven for centuries to work. Chasteberry, Dong Quai, Watercress, Flaxseed and Fennel seed have been proven to make that time of the month much smoother. Also, if you are a woman who is going through menopause, these herbs can help significantly to reduce the symptoms you are experiencing. Bust Bunny is a wonderful remedy for this because it is an all in one supplement. You can use to for multiple benefits, but the great part is that you get all 13-essential herbs in 1 capsule. Most of us don’t have the time to take five different supplements, so Bust Bunny has made it easy to take just one.
Shawn A.
I have dedicated my life to Health & Fitness since the age of 18. With a background in BioChem, I have combined my love of science with health & beauty interests to offer advice, discussions, and education on how to achieve better hormonal balance, sleep easier, reduce anxiety, and feel better about yourself, inside and out. Join the discussion on Facebook