Should You Exercise In Periods? Read Here To Know Its Effects And Benefits!

Getting your period can be challenging, especially if you suffer from painful menstrual cramps. One way to ease the pain is to lie in bed with a bag of hot water. Although physical activity may be low during this time, it is beneficial to exercise. Many women wonder if it is possible to exercise during menstruation, but it is safe and recommended. 

In fact, certain times of the month may be ideal for more intense physical activity. Despite common misconceptions, exercise has been shown to alleviate various symptoms associated with menstruation. Let’s delve into the blog to get more information about effective exercise in periods. 

Table Of Contents

1. Effect Of Exercise In Periods

2. Top 6 Benefits Of Exercise During Periods

3. Choosing The Best Exercise In Periods

4. Tips For Exercise In Periods

5. The Final

6. FAQs

7. References 

Effect Of Exercise In Periods

Regular physical activity and exercise can help regulate your menstrual cycle and flow, leading to lighter periods and fewer cramps. You may experience more discomfort during the first few days of your period when the bleeding is heaviest. During this time, try gentle movements and exercises throughout the week.

Exercise can relieve menstrual symptoms in several ways :

• The sweat you produce during exercise removes moisture from your body, including the moisture in your stomach that you feel as part of the bloating during your period. 

• Exercise releases endorphins. These “happy hormones” do not only distract you from the menstrual discomfort you are experiencing but can also combat the sometimes (often) depression associated with menstruation or premenstrual syndrome. 

• Exercise in periods also helps combat the tiredness and fatigue associated with menstruation and in general. 

• Exercise is known to reduce stress, which can sometimes make menstrual cramps worse. Therefore, using exercise as a stress reliever may help relieve cramps. 

• Increased blood flow due to exercise may also help relieve menstrual cramps.

  
  

Also Read: The Best Way To Improve Health Is To Exercise Daily

Top 6 Benefits Of Exercise During Periods

Exercise has many benefits in periods that you have yet to give attention to. Here are some of the major advantages mentioned:

1. Alleviate Cramps

Regular exercise also helps in maintaining hormonal balance and can reduce menstrual cramps and symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

2. Reduce Premenstrual Syndrome

Premenstrual symptoms can cause physical discomfort, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and negative emotions that can affect your daily life.

3. Improve Your Menstrual Cycle

Exercising regularly can help you become more aware of your menstrual cycle and manage your time better. Aerobic exercise is recommended for those with irregular periods.

4. Make You Energetic

Sometimes, you may feel tired and want to sleep in, but exercising every day will make you stronger. After exercise, your muscles receive oxygen and nutrients, which help release more energy.

5. Boost Your Booster

The level of the cortisol hormone increases during menstruation, which makes it difficult for you to have a good mood. Regular exercise can lower cortisol and improve mood.

6. Reduce Bloating

Exercise can also improve blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This helps reduce water retention and bloating that often accompany menstruation.

Also Read: 5 PMS Symptoms With Effective Ways To Reduce Them Naturally! 

Choosing The Best Exercise In Periods

Regular exercise has numerous physical and mental benefits, and having your period should not stop you from continuing your routine. In fact, exercise can help alleviate some of the common symptoms that come with menstruation. 

The first few days of your period can be challenging because of abdominal cramps and heavy bleeding. However, exercising during these difficult days can be a life-saver. Here are some simple workouts that can help you stay healthy and happy.

Also Read: Is Yoga Helpful In Irregular Menstrual Cycles?

Tips For Exercise In Periods

During periods, 80% of women experience pain. Choosing the right treatment and exercising can help you feel more active and light. Here are some of the exercising tips to take a look into:

• Drinking plenty of water during your period is generally recommended to flush out toxins and keep your digestive system as healthy as possible. 

• Drink at least 2 litres of water daily to stay healthy and hydrated during exercise.

• Exercises such as face-down stretching can help reduce spasms or muscle cramps.

The Final Say

Exercising during your period may seem difficult, but the benefits outweigh anything. On days when you are short on time, try semi-exercise aerobic exercises such as walking or running.

These types of exercises can reduce pain from abdominal pain and cramps. Aerobic exercise helps to release “feel-good hormones” called endorphins. These can also help to improve headaches and improve mood.

The final advice to you is to listen to your body. If you are tired, sick, or nauseous, sometimes it's best to wait and rest it out.

FAQs

1. What are the positions to alleviate period cramps?

Sleeping on the back or the side can reduce pressure on the abdomen and alleviate period cramps.

2. What are the exercises for periods to come fast?

Some of the exercises are:

• Squats

• Sit-ups

• crunches

3. Does exercise reduce period flow?

The blood flow during periods depends on the hormones of an individual. However, doing yoga, pilates, and walking may help you balance your blood flow. 

References

• Effects of exercise participation on menstrual pain and symptoms

• Yoga Exercises and Menstrual Cramps

• Physical activity and your menstrual cycle | Office on Women's Health

• Exercising During Your Periods: Benefits, Things To Avoid & More – Burnlab.Co

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