Written by Memories Over Macros owner: Aubrie Bromlow (Learn more about her here)
Does the thought of working out while on your period make you want to retire your workout shoes for good? If you’re concerned about how your period will affect your fitness routine, you’re not alone.
For various reasons, many women skip their workouts during this time of the month, but there’s really no reason to skip out on exercise just because you have your period. There are some adjustments you can make to your routine during this time, which is what I aim to share with you in this blog!
Benefits of exercising on your period
The physical and mental benefits of exercise don’t stop just because you have your period. In fact, sticking with a routine can actually help ease some of the common complaints that accompany menstruation.
According to Dr. Christopher Holligsworth, the period is a complex time from a hormonal standpoint. “Both progesterone and estrogen are at their lowest during the entire length of the period phase of the menstrual cycle, which can make people feel tired and less energetic,” he explained.
With that said, avoiding exercise isn’t going to save energy or make you feel better. Instead of stopping all activity during your period, use the week as an opportunity to try some new workout styles, specifically ones that are lower intensity. To encourage you to continue with movement, below are five benefits of exercising during your period.
Decreased PMS symptoms
If you experience fatigue and mood swings in the days leading up to your period and during your cycle, regular aerobic exercise may lessen these symptoms.
Tap into your endorphins
Because exercise gives you a natural endorphin high, it can elevate your mood and actually make you feel better from the inside out. Brandon Marcello, Ph.D., believes one of the main benefits of exercise while on your period is the endorphin release and workout “high.” He also said that since endorphins are a natural painkiller when they release during exercise, you may feel relief from uncomfortable periods.
Experience more strength and power
One study found that the first two weeks of your menstrual cycle (day one being the first day of your period) may allow you to experience greater gains in strength and power due to low levels of female hormones.
Enhance your mood
Strength and conditioning coach, Dr. Lindsey Mathews, said exercising at this time will enhance your mood and increase circulation. Exercise also tends to alleviate cramps, headaches, or back pain associated with your period.
Combat painful periods
If you experience painful periods, also called dysmenorrhea, you know all too well how uncomfortable this time of the month can be. The good news is that exercise such as light walking or yoga may help you decrease these symptoms.
The best exercises to do on your period
The first few days of your period may be the most uncomfortable, especially if you tend to bleed a lot during this time. That’s why a focus on gentle movements and exercises should top your list of activities.
John Thoppil OB-GYN said the best exercise during your period is the one you feel like doing. That said, he stressed the importance of varying your workouts during this week. He also pointed out that your period may be a good time to reduce your exercise intensity. With that in mind, here are a few ideas for exercise while on your period.
Light walking or other light cardio
Keep your cardiovascular or aerobic exercise at a lower intensity or back off on the amount you do. Consider light cardio, walking, or shorter bouts of aerobic exercise. There is research supporting the idea that your lungs work better later in your cycle, so consider keeping that type of training for the end of your period.
Low-volume strength training and power-based activities
Due to the potential for an increase in strength during this time, including low-volume, strength training, and power-based activities is a smart move. In fact, Matthews said this is a great time to do longer flow sessions that involve a mix of strictly strength work and low-intensity cardio.
Yoga and Pilates
The two to three days leading up to your period is a great time to engage in activities like yoga, which can help relax your body and potentially reduce symptoms like cramping, breast tenderness, and muscular fatigue and soreness.
If you’re not experiencing any discomfort from your period, feel free to continue with your regular exercise routine. Just be mindful of the adjustments your body makes during this time. If you find that your body isn’t performing like it usually does, give yourself a break and ease up on the intensity.
Exercises to avoid on your period
Just like certain activities may be more appropriate to participate in during your period, there are also some exercises you may want to avoid. That said, many women will be able to continue with their normal exercise routine with just some minor adjustments.
In general, Marcello said you should reduce training stress and volume during this time. “This doesn’t mean to stop training — to the contrary, this just means to cut back a little bit,” he explained.
If you’re feeling unusually tired, you may want to cut back on intense cardiovascular or endurance-type training. “During this time many women report experiencing an increase in rate of perceived exertion, so exercises that are moderately difficult feel much more difficult during this time,” explained Marcello. He said it’s also ideal to eliminate skill and precision training during these few days.
The bottom line
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.
I always give myself grace during this week because my body needs to focus on its basic functions. Being a female is complex and beautiful. Recognizing and honoring what your body is going through will make you feel brand new going into your next cycle.
In my next blog, I am looking forward to explaining more about the rest of your menstrual cycle, outside of the week of your period. There are so many things to capitalize on within your cycle, and self-awareness can be incredibly powerful in your fitness journey.
Supplements to help
Here are 2 supplements I wanted to highlight that goes great with all this. TruMulti Women's Multivitamin [link] from PEScience as well as their amazing Essentials Stack [link]!
Don't forget... use discount code: Aubrie to get 15% OFF your orders!
From PEScience:
- TruMulti for Women [link] is our premium multivitamin product featuring 24 vitamins and minerals, plus Ashwagandha (KSM-66) for mood and stress support. Our women's formula includes iron and bioavailable forms of minerals from amino acid chelates. Only 3 easy-to-swallow capsules are needed per day.
- The Essentials Stack [link] features a 2 month's supply of 2 popular daily staples, TruMutli and Omega-3+. Both of these products are used on a daily basis and are formulated and designed with a scientific foundation. Omega-3+ is highly concentrated in DHA and EPA, while TruMulti has everything you need, with nothing that you don't.