WORKING OUT DURING PERIOD: GOOD OR BAD

            A warm welcome to all my ladies out there and also some men who are here for their someone special or for the purpose of gaining knowledge. Working out on your period may be a big controversial question, but to your surprise the answer is quite simple,"IT IS YOUR PERSONAL PREFERENCE". Does the thought of working out while on your period make you cringe, don't worry you are not alone!

          During your period, you might experience different symptoms based on your body type such as bloating, cramps, fatigue, headache etc. To your surprise, physical exercise tends to help and reduce these symptoms. Exercising continues to be beneficial for you whether or whether not you are on your periods.

BENEFITS OF EXERCISING ON YOUR PERIOD:

• RELIEVES PAIN.

                Exercising actually helps to soothe that filthy pain that occur during your period. It is a proven fact that women who workout during their period experience lesser pain than the women who don't because exercise improves blood circulation in pelvic area, which helps relieve pain. This does not mean you have to do proper exercise, if you don't feel like exercising, going for a 15 min walk twice a day is enough.

• MOOD BOOSTER AND DECREASES PMS SYMPTOMS.

                Many of you ladies will agree on the fact that they go through a roller-coaster of emotions while on their period. Studies and researches have proved that working out help with these mood swings as it may help to lift your mood when you feel sad, depressed, angry etc on your period. It gives you natural endorphin high, that can elevate your mood and actually make you feel better.

• IMPROVES FATIGUE.

               On your period, do you feel like doing nothing and have that constant feeling of tiredness, here's why. Hormonal changes taking place while you are on your period causes fatigue or tiredness and exercising can boost energy levels instead of lowering them on your periods.

Although, there are so many benefits that will actually help you decide whether to workout on your period or not, my advice is to LISTEN TO YOUR BODY! Sometimes period comes with tremendous pain and cramps and in such situation it is advisable to take a day or two off from your workout schedule. It is not always necessary to push harder when your body is not allowing you to do it. If you feel fatigued you can also decrease the intensity of your workout. 

TIPS TO FOLLOW:

• ALWAYS STAY HYDRATED.

                       While you are on your period do you feel that constant discomfort in your stomach, yeah right, and that's exactly why you should drink water. I am sure you might have also experienced a bloated tummy all out there, drinking water helps with that too. Now you see how important drinking water is, it helps with two of the worst things that occur while you are on your period. It is also very important to limit or if possible skip your caffeine and alcohol intake.

• STRETCH, STRETCH, STRETCH!

                        You feel your muscles all cramped up, don't worry, incorporating stretching in your routine can help to extend that stubborn muscle and reduce its tension!

• TRY OVER-THE-COUNTER (OTC) PAIN RELIEVERS.    

                         Some over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen, naproxen, ibuprofen etc can help ease the pain and will be beneficial if consumed before your workout session. However, remember to stick to the proper dosage or consult a gynecologist.

• STOCK UP ON YOUR PERIOD SUPPLIES.

                  The speeding up of flow is usually because physical activity can help blood exit the uterus faster.Whether you prefer tampons, pads, or menstrual cups, there’s no right or wrong, just be prepared."

 

BOTTOM-LINE:

                       There is no such proven research which states that exercising while on your period is not good and therefore, YOU FEEL LIKE WORKING OUT, GO AHEAD! Best exercises you can do are yoga, pilates, low intensity strength and power based training and always, A WALK. Do not use your period as an excuse to binge eat, remember how hard you have worked for those gains. Also if those cramps are really bad throw yourself onto your bed and doze offff.