Many women wonder if it is okay or not to exercise during periods. For most women, periods are physically, mentally, and emotionally tough and challenging. Have you ever thought that exercise worsens your period experience and have skipped fitness routines? There are many myths quite prevalent amongst the populations of women in the reproductive phase with respect to exercising during monthly cycles.
There are few things one must be aware of before considering exercising during periods.
It mainly depends on your existing fitness routine, frequency and intensity.
Categories of women based on workout routines
The following are few categories which are applicable to people with different exercise routines. Analyse your exercise routine and select the category you belong to. These categories are instrumental in deciding how much should you exercise during periods.
- CATEGORY 1 – EXERCISING 6 DAYS A WEEK
If you are exercising 6 days a week, being active and working out during your period does not affect it as the body is already used to it and it is completely normal.
- CATEGORY 2: EXERCISING TWICE OR THRICE A WEEK
If you are exercising twice or thrice a week, you must consider your comfort level and symptoms of your period and decide for yourself.
- CATEGORY 3: JUST STARTING YOUR FITNESS JOURNEY
If you are just starting with a new exercise regime and a diet, you must consider how comfortable you are and if you are ready. If you choose to exercise during periods, then the intensity and kind of exercise must be given a thought.
Exercising during periods is a personal choice and depends on how comfortable one feels. It can differ from person to person considering their comfort level during their period. However, it does not mean that one must take complete rest and avoid day-to-day activities. Low intensity workouts and exercises that do not inhibit the process of menstruation must be considered. Be on the move and continue with chores or try to achieve your daily steps’ goal.
According to Ayurveda, exercises that facilitate the process of menstruation are safe but one must keep in mind not to overdo or under-do it. Overdoing can cause fatigue and excess heat in the body that increases the flow. Exercises involving body inversions or going against the gravity will hinder the flow and must be avoided. Taking complete rest or being inactive is not advised. Periods do not mean ceasing the movement of the body and not doing activities.
Potential benefits
Exercising during your period might help with:
- reducing pain or cramps
- elevating mood
- promotion of secretion of the feel-good hormones – endorphins
- tackling PMS
To conclude, one must assess the severity of their periods and its factors and decide the level of exercise. It is also important to consider the comfort of exercising during periods. Exercising during periods can be beneficial but health, lifestyle, fitness levels and many such factors must be taken into consideration. Hence, it is best advised to seek professional help and decide what works best for you and your body.