Benefits of exercise during your period

Benefits of exercising during your period

1| Reducing PMS symptoms

The menstrual cycle is a complex hormonal process, and low levels of progesterone and estrogen cause unpleasant symptoms such as pain, mood swings, irritability, and fatigue. Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome are annoying and painful and may cause a lot of discomfort for many women and girls during the days before menstruation. Medical studies have shown that doing aerobic exercise before your period helps reduce the severity of fatigue and mood swings that affect many women.

2| Mood boost

Exercise naturally raises endorphin levels, thus significantly reducing stress, improving the mood and overall emotional state.

3| Easing menstrual pain

Exercising during the menstrual cycle is a critical way to reduce menstrual pain, such as cramps, headaches, back pain, and other annoying period-related pain.

4| Reducing the flow

Exercise helps maintain a healthy weight, increase muscle mass, and improve hormonal balance. This balance regulates and moderates menstrual bleeding, especially for those who suffer from heavy bleeding during their period.

The best types of exercise during your period

1| Walking and aerobics

Walking is an essential and moderate cardio exercise, unlike running, which may not be appropriate, especially in the first days of the cycle. Aerobic exercises also have the same effect and benefit on the first days of the period, when bleeding and pain are more severe.

2| Weight and resistance training

Body strength increases as hormones decrease during the cycle, so the menstrual cycle is an excellent opportunity to practice resistance exercises and lift moderate weights. These exercises can also be mixed with cardio exercises during the last stages of the menstrual cycle.

3| Yoga and Pilates

Practicing these exercises during the few days before your period is essential, as they help you relax and reduce the severity of period cramps and the physical fatigue that may affect you in the premenstrual stage.

What sports should be avoided during the menstrual cycle?

According to experts, moderate exercise can be done during the monthly cycle, as it has many health benefits, as we mentioned. It is essential that you feel comfortable while practicing any sport during your menstrual cycle and that you do not over-exhaust yourself. As this harms your period, it may lead it to stop or to an increase in heavy bleeding.

Precautions when exercising during your period

• Choose the appropriate menstrual products that help you feel comfortable exercising, such as sanitary pads and menstrual underwear.
• If you go to the gym to exercise, ensure your bag contains extra pads, underwear, and spare clothes in case of any leakage.
• Take a pain reliever if you feel severe pain that may prevent you from exercising so that you can practice your workout comfortably.
• Take it easy on yourself; despite the benefits of exercise during your menstrual cycle, you can still lie on the couch and watch your favorite series while drinking cinnamon tea if you do not want to exercise because you are tired or not keen on going to the gym.