Get in Flow: Why You Should Exercise on Your Period

For most women, the thought of working out when on their period sounds somewhat daunting, given that this is a time of cramps, fatigue, and mood swings. However, surprisingly, training during your menstrual cycle can be very useful for attaining relief from discomfort to improved mood. Knowing how your body responds during this time will help you tailor your workout routine to maximize those benefits and make that time of the month into self-care.

Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle

Before getting into the benefits of working out during your period, here's what's helpful to know about the phases of your menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle is officially divided into four phases: the menstrual phase, the follicular phase, ovulation, and the luteal phase. The menstrual phase is the time when you have your period; it usually lasts from 3 to 7 days. Hormone levels, mainly estrogen and progesterone, are very low during this phase and may make one feel tired and depressed. The benefits of exercising during your period include:

Relieves Menstrual Cramps

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One of the most compelling reasons to exercise during your period is that it helps alleviate menstrual cramps. The blood flow during physical activity can help alleviate the pain caused by cramps. Exercise releases a series of endorphins; these are, in effect, the body's painkillers. These endorphins reduce not only the intensity of cramps but also improve your mood and counteract irritability or sadness, which may be related to menstruation.

Low-impact exercises such as yoga, walking, or swimming are also good for cramps. Gentle stretching and deep breathing can rest your abdominal muscles, very often relieving pain.

Improves Mood and Energy

Hormonal fluctuations during this time may lead to mood swings and create a feeling of fatigue. While skipping the exercise session and catching up on some sleep may sound very appealing, some forms of exercise will energize and perhaps even enhance one's mood. The endorphins released after exercising are natural elevators of mood that reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, symptoms that are increased during the menstrual cycle.

This may also help with your sleeping pattern, which might get disrupted during menstruation. Now, a good night's sleep will increase your energy level and elevate your mood further, so you're better set to tackle the challenges of the day.

Keeps You Consistent with Your Workout

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Missing some days of working out due to your period can get you off your fitness schedule and evoke the mentality of not being able to easily get back on track once your period ends. After all, consistency is one of the important ingredients toward your exercise goals, whether that be developing strength, enhancing endurance, or even losing weight. It's very likely that if you stay active during your period, you will remain consistent with the workout routine and not reverse some progress that is earned with much hustle.

Listen to your body, though. If you're going to feel extra fatigued or uncomfortable, that's entirely okay to opt for an easier workout or just dial down the intensity based on how you're feeling. The idea here is to keep moving but be kind to your body.

Increased Body Awareness

You may be quite attuned to your body when you exercise right in the middle of your period. Many women report increased strength and endurance during their periods, but some scale back the intensity. Listening to these feelings can help you adjust workouts according to your needs and get maximum benefits from exercise without discomfort.

Tips on Exercising While on Your Period

• Opt for low-impacting activities: In case you feel that high-intensity exercises are difficult, try low-impact ones like yoga, Pilates, or walking.
• Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water to flush out extra water due to bloating and maintain energy.
• Wear comfortable clothes: Though those gym sweatpants look super sexy, you should go for the comfy clothes in your wardrobe. They will make exercising easy and allow freedom of motion.
• Listen to your body: Workout during periods has multiple benefits but If you're not feeling up for the workout, then it's best to back off and miss a few times. That is altogether normal. Rest is important, too, and also part of self-care.

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Exercising during your period isn't the first thing you feel like doing, but there can be big benefits associated with it. From relieving cramps to boosting your mood and keeping up with your fitness routine, exercise can make all the difference. By tuning in with your body and training accordingly, based on where you are in your energy levels, you can start to make your period a source of empowerment and self-care that helps you take on each month a little more easily.

We are an information-gathering blog. For all medical interventions, please consult a registered medical practitioner.