Should I exercise on my period?
Should I exercise on my period?
Updated: Mar 9
A question so many of us ask. Well according to the NHS https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/period-pain/ exercising during periods can reduce pain... I know, I know, the thought of it while your cramping, bloated, and seriously already uncomfortable does not make exercising very appealing. Trust me, today I did not want to exercise, I really didn't feel like I could as I was in so much pain, but I decided to try and you know what, during the class I seriously didn't feel very much pain. Now in my opinion you should exercise during your period if you want to. It's about listening to your body and deciding if you should exercise on your period #likeagirl .
What exercise should I do during my period?
Any exercise is ok to do, as long as your body can do it. Now I am no medical professional ,but they do say gentle exercise during your period can alleviate some pain. I think that it is more so you may forget about it if you are doing something fun. Check out 'healthline' and what they advocate: https://www.healthline.com/health/exercise-during-period. For me doing something that is fun is what really helps, and if there is music going, there that is sure going to make me feel better exercising on my period.
So can exercise make you feel better?
Simply put, the body releases endorphins when you are exercising which are feel good chemicals. So exercising during your period can lift your mood, and even be a natural pain killer. It may help you get rid of belly cramps, back pain, bloating and headaches too. Exercise also help red blood cells be delivered to muscles way quicker, so if you are scared of iron deficiency, exercise could help during your period, and if you need a second opinion then talk to your doctor.
What if I am in too much pain?
The main thing is that you listen to your body. So even just a gentle walk could be really beneficial. some women really do suffer from terribly painful periods, so as long as you don't have any medical conditions going for a nice walk, getting some fresh air followed by a hot water bottle during your period, this should give you the activity you need, and release some of those mood boosting chemicals.
My top tips to exercising during your period:
Firstly, be honest with yourself and ask yourself if you think that some exercise may lift your mood?
Then ask yourself again! Sometimes we just say no because we really can't be bothered, but actually when we do it, we do feel so much better!
Decide whether you want something gentle like a walk or something a little more fun like Zumba. You can check out your local classes at www.zumba.com.
Do what you can and take it easy on yourself, after all it is all about feeling good and feeling better!
Pat yourself on the back, be kind to yourself and then go grab that water bottle and snuggle up on the sofa :)
I hope this article helps.
Lots of love,
Sirin xxx