Period FAQs

should you workout when you're on your period

by Jon Leuschke Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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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.

What exercises should you avoid during your period?

  • Strenuous or prolonged exercise might not be good for the body when you are menstruating. ...
  • Inversion-type yoga poses are thought by some to pull the uterus toward the head. ...
  • Lastly, if you feel unusually fatigued, nauseous, or there is an increase in pain or discomfort, stop what you are doing and rest. ...

Should you still work out when you have your period?

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.

Can your workouts mess with your period?

“That can really shut a period down because of the intensity of the workout or the weight loss associated with it—or just the hormone changes from intense exercise,” says Sullivan. “It sends a signal to the brain and ovaries to take a temporary pause.

Does your period affect your workout or not?

Exercise can be extremely beneficial during your period (though you may want to skip the white trousers). "The idea that women should not exercise during their period is a complete fallacy, as this is the time of the month when the benefits of exercise can be at their greatest," says Dr Anne Henderson, a Doctify-rated consultant gynaecologist ...

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Cool. So, what does this all mean when it comes to training?

Well, you know that awful bit when you’ve got the cravings and the cramps and the last thing you want to do is go to the gym? Well, these hormonal changes that are going on give you boosts in pain tolerance and muscle recovery that can pay off when you want to make the gains. Handy, right?

The Realities

When it comes down to the question of whether you are training when you’re on your period or whether you sit at home with a tub of ice cream and your good friend Netflix, there is a lot more than just science to consider. Tight leggings, squats and sanitary towels really aren’t the best of friends.

What to do during your period?

Here are some suggestions for exercise you could do during the menstrual phase. Relaxing yoga poses or stretching. If a full, rigorous workout doesn’t sound right for you during your period, then doing some restorative yoga poses can be a great way to release tension and stress, and calm down your mind and body.

How to get rid of PMS symptoms?

In the same 2019 study, aerobic exercise was also found to be beneficial for relieving PMS symptoms when performed three times a week for 12 weeks. During the luteal phase, you may like to try low-intensity cardio training: this could be going for a long walk, a few laps of swimming in the ocean or pool or going for a bike ride.

How long does it take to burn energy after HIIT?

HIIT is quick, fun, and has the physical benefits of increasing your VO2max, as well as continuing to burn energy up to 48-72 hours after the workout is done.

Why do women have luteal cycles?

One 2003 review of the research by the University of Sydney in Australia, published in Sports Medicine, suggested that for women undertaking prolonged endurance training, the mid-luteal cycle phase is associated with increased cardiovascular strain and decreased time to exhaustion in hot conditions, most likely due to an increase in body temperature at this part of the cycle. This is a consideration for women undertaking endurance training or planning races, particularly in hot, humid conditions.

Why is tracking your cycle important?

Tracking your cycle can allow you to become more familiar with how your unique cycle works, and how the different phases of your cycle influence your energy levels, mood, and exercise performance.

Can you run during the luteal phase?

This does not mean that you shouldn’t run or do exercise during the luteal phase, but that it may be more difficult than usual, or during other phases of your cycle.

Does exercise help with period pain?

There is some evidence to suggest that ongoing exercise — that is, not just during the menstrual phase but on an ongoing basis — could be able to help decrease period pain.

Should You Work Out On Your Period?

Almost every other woman will state that they should be relaxing and not exercising while on their period. To those women, we hate to tell you but you certainly need to be exercising during your period. Although there are myths that claim it could worsen nausea, cramps, legs and back pain, experts are yet to find evidence backing up these claims.

How Long Should You Exercise?

The time you spend performing an exercise during your period varies, as several factors influence it. The first one is the type of exercise you perform. For example, some women prefer low or moderate-intensity aerobic exercises while others choose light strength training workouts.

How To Design A Period Workout Plan?

Like any other workout plan, it would be best to talk to your trainer and ask them for help crafting such a routine. The problem with most ladies is that they feel they know themselves and have no problem designing their exercise routine.

Tips For Exercising During Your Period

For many, exercising during their period can be uncomfortable or painful. However, it does not have to be that way. Here are some tips to help you ease into a physical activity during that time of the month:

The Bottom Line

Should you work out on your period? Certainly! Working out on your period helps ease menstrual pain and cramps, promote weight loss, improve your mood, reduce fatigue and stress levels. Talk to your doctor to help you determine the best exercise routine to perform when on your period.

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