Should You Workout On Your Period?

Introduction:

One of the questions personal trainers and fitness instructors are commonly asked is - Should I work out on my period? Many women retire their running shoes during their period every month but should they?

Scientifically, there’s no reason to pause your workout regime during your period, but there are a few factors you should be aware of. This article will address some common questions, and concerns women seek answers to regarding workouts during the period.

First of all, why is the question of whether to work out or not during periods relevant? Typically, women suffer from general fatigue, cramps, mood swings, and a ton of other physical and mental changes.

The intensity of these changes varies from one woman to another. It can be tempting to skip workouts as a form of self-care during menstruation. If your body needs a breather, there’s no harm in taking a break – irrespective of whether you’re on your period or not.

 
However, there’s no reason to skip it if you want to work out. There are tons of good reasons to exercise during your menstrual cycle, as the body is primed for growth and muscle-building during that period. So, the short answer to the question – should I workout on my period – is yes, you can!

But, let’s dig a little deeper!

Exercise workouts during a period: Tips, benefits, and more...

Feel Better

Exercising can elevate your mood and make you feel better. Mild to moderate workout releases endorphins in our brain, which helps us feel good even during the period or when dealing with PMS.



Moreover, working out helps eliminate a hormone called prostaglandins, produced in women’s bodies, causing pain, cramps, and inflammation.

Reduce Bloating

Working out during periods can help women get rid of excessive bloating suffered by the majority of the women during their periods.

Exercising helps get rid of excess water from the body, reducing bloating and improving digestion.

Combat Common Symptoms

As per research conducted by the American College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, working out regularly helps reduce PMS symptoms, such as depression, fatigue, mood swings, cramps, etc.



So, if your menstrual cycle has taken a toll on you, workout regularly. Enjoy whatever form of aerobic exercise you prefer, including swimming, jogging, running, biking, etc.

Build Muscle

Even though the research into this is still in its initial phase, the studies conducted so far point towards considerable muscle and mass gain by working out during PMS.

In other words, a women’s body is at its prime to tone and strengthen due to the rise in testosterone levels during this period.



However, it is essential to keep yourself well-fed and include a sufficient amount of protein in your diet to build and repair muscles.

Better Gains, Better Performance

As per one study, working out improves athletic performance considerably during the period, and it not only helps with improved muscle and mass gain but enhances athletic performance drastically.



This is primarily due to low progesterone and estrogen levels in the body during PMS.

Combat Painful Periods

Many women suffer from painful periods, medically referred to as dysmenorrhoea. Most women know well how uncomfortable and painful it can be during this time of the month.



However, walking lightly for a while can reduce common symptoms like cramps, headaches, backache, and body pain to a great extent.

Regularises Period Cycle

Workout during the period can help with regularising your PMS cycle. If you’re suffering from irregular periods or are often unaware of your period dates, exercising can help.



Irregular periods can take a toll on your physical and mental health, but working out helps with regularising the menstrual cycle, positively influencing life.

Energises

It is common for women to feel low on energy, physically and mentally, during periods. However, pushing yourself out of bed and working out can not only make you feel better but keep you active as well.



It is normal to feel low and lazy during the period, but working out energises your mind, body, and soul.

FAQs

Having discussed the benefits of working out during the menstrual cycle, let us answer some frequently answered questions on this topic. (FAQs)

It’s no secret that working out is beneficial for the mind and body. However, exercising during the menstrual cycle helps balance hormones in women’s bodies. It helps with positively influencing women’s biological functions and lowers the intensity of other common symptoms experienced by women during the period.



Some women may experience breakthrough bleeding, lighter periods, and sometimes no periods at all. It is essential to identify how your body reacts to exercising during this period to modify your workout routine and if you should continue or not. In most cases, the body fine-tunes itself with regular exercises, and the initial body response transforms into positive changes eventually.