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How to Workout During your Period

 


Young woman crouched over from period pain
 Image: Shutterstock


Should you even workout during your period?

Especially when PMS seems to be working against you. Bringing with it:

  • Cramps
  • Weakness
  • Nausea and
  • Dizziness

Let's not forget the fact that as women, our bodies are so different that working out may be therapeutic for some, while to others it's torture.

If exercising during your period sounds like torture to you, you probably think it's a bad idea.

Pause!

Before you rule out working out during your period, read on for how best to do it.

What to consider before working out during your period

Before you workout, it's important to consider the kind of symptoms you experience during your period.

Cramps

With cramps, working out may either reduce or aggravate them. This depends on the kind of workout you do though. In my experience and for some other women I know, ab workouts tend to worsen period cramps.

Weakness

Exercising requires energy and working out during periods is no different. If you find that you're very weak, it's best to avoid working out altogether. You wouldn't want to pass out as a result.

Mood swings and Bloating

Thankfully, it's not all scary with periods. Infact, exercising- according to studies, releases endorphins (feel-good hormones) which help to elevate moods. This can greatly help with mood swings.

Also, workouts can help with bloating. The process of moving about and sweating out eliminates bloating caused by water retention and helps you feel lighter generally.

Now, if you feel like working out is the last thing on your mind during your period, take a break. But if you feel up to it, go ahead. 

Before you workout, there are some things you must do.


Precautions to take before you workout during your period

Don't workout in soaked sanitary wear: You don't want to get stained while you move. Change if necessary before you begin.

Select your workout clothes carefully: Choose darker colours to be on a safe side. Also, avoid wearing very flimsy clothes. Just in case you get stained, you want it to be as discreet as can be till you change.

Decide on location: you can decide to workout at home as opposed to going to the gym. This is to ensure that if you do get tired, you can quickly go in, freshen up and rest. As opposed to driving or walking back home.

Stay hydrated: this will keep dizziness, dehydration and heat in check. Drink lots of water in between and after workouts.

Work with your cycle: know the days you have your heavy flow and avoid working out if it will cause you great discomfort.


Simple workouts to engage in during your period

Walking

Taking brisk walks for a few minutes will satisfy your workout needs without being too tasking on your body. Preferably for 10-30 minutes, put on comfortable shoes and just stroll.

Yoga

You don't have to go overboard or do more complex moves like the hand stand. A little downward dog, side stretches, child pose should give you some relief and meet your workout needs.

Jogging

If you need to satisfy your cardio cravings or feel like walking isn't intense enough, jogging is the answer. Throw on nice shoes, make sure you're not soaked and jog lightly. If at any time you feel exhausted, slow down and finish up with walking.

Calisthenics

You may want to avoid the dumbbells and bars during your period and stick to body weight exercises. If you need a little intensity, do more reps, go more rounds or incorporate jumps. 

Exercises like Squats, push ups, lunges, side bends, glute bridges, step ups, jump squats are excellent body weight exercises that will get you moving and sweating during your period.


After your workout

Shower, put on fresh undies, sanitary wears and clothes. Also get some rest and if you need to work, avoid strenuous activities. You don't want to be fatigued after your workout.

You see, there's absolutely no law that says women should or should not workout during their periods. It all depends on you. 

What's required is for you to take necessary precautions, monitor your body's reaction and don't forget to take care of yourself.


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