Exercise during period

All the Medical Benefits of Exercising While On Your Period

Mood swings, sore breasts, bloating, pimples, cramps, fatigue, and restlessness are some of the fun things you can look forward to on your period. The menstrual cycle is pure torture for some and a mere nuisance for others. If you are having mood swings and feeling fatigued with a bloated belly, the last thing on your mind is exercise. Do you need do it anyway? 

Resting in the fetal position on your bed with your favourite comforter and comfort food is more inviting than putting on your workout outfit and getting your sweat on. What will a few days away from the gym do anyway? You will get there when you feel up to it again! Plus, the painful cramps and bloated belly are wanting you to avoid being seen in some tight lycra right now.

What if you found out that exercising is beneficial to you while on your period? There is medical proof that exercising helps alleviate some period issues such as fatigue, cramps, and mood swings. Let’s look at the medical benefits and how it can help you feel better:

This Is Why You Should Exercise During Your Period..

Improves Mood

Some women are like injured lionesses when on their periods. At the least perceived provocation, the claws will come out to play! Exercising in general can help release the happy hormones known as endorphins. Working out helps release these hormones that trigger happy or positive feelings in your body. If aerobic exercises don’t move you during this time then you can take a simple 30-minute walk and see how if that helps improve your mood.

Helps relieve period pain

As discussed when you exercise, endorphins are released. When these hormones interact with the receptors in your brain, they tell your body that it is not feeling pain and as a result, your period can become more bearable. The hormones act as sedatives to help relieve pain in your body. The severity of period pain varies in different women. Some don’t find relief in over-the-counter pain killers while others experience mild pain they can help with. Thirty minutes of aerobic exercises such as brisk walking, swimming, and biking can help you feel better. Ideally, even without your period, you should partake in some sort of exercise three times per week. 

Reduces Depression

Several studies indicate that depression levels can be lowered with exercise. In two reports: Psychosomatic Medicine, 2007 and Psychosomatic Medicine, 2010, a follow-up study done by a clinical psychologist at Duke University, James Blumenthal, Ph.D.,found that there is evidence to support the fact that people who engaged in exercise experienced lower depression levels than those who didn’t. 

Reduces Fatigue

Often getting started is the hardest challenge. Believe it or not, when you are fatigued and push your body to start the first exercise routine, if it’s something you enjoy, you will get into it and before you know it, you’ll genuinely start to enjoy it. 

During your period, estrogen and progesterone levels tend to drop and this can make you feel fatigued and without less strength for your normal routine. In a study published in Psychological Bulletin where over 6,800 people took part in the study, it was determined that those who exercised while fatigued showed improved energy levels compared to those who didn’t. 

Relieves Bloating

When you feel bloated and go for a brisk walk, most people will experience a considerable drop in the bloating. This is because as you sweat, water leaves your body and in turn that helps with this problem. Exercising can help alleviate most of the bloating you get during your period. Walking, Pilates, and yoga are great exercises known for this! 

Are All Exercises Beneficial?

Are there certain exercises that are more beneficial than others? Yes. You want to avoid strenuous exercises during your period. Some of these types of exercises done within an hour during your period can cause inflammation.

Simple exercises you can try include light cardio or aerobic exercises, walking, yoga, and strength training. Be careful though not to overwork yourself. Take a rest if you feel nauseated, uncomfortable, severe pain, or fatigued during a session. Don’t forget to keep hydrated as you exercise.

Won’t It Be Messy?

If you have a light to medium flow, our leak-free period underwear can make working out a breeze. With no need to change your tampon or pad and our leak-free underwear as comfortable as normal underwear, why wouldn’t you give it a try today? Find out more here!

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