5 Things To Know About Exercising During Your Period
shivani k 
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How do you usually spend your days while chumming? We’re expecting answers like hiding under a blanket, making frequent visits to the fridge, dialing your favorite home delivery restaurant, etc. This all that we do when the crimson tide hits us. Even the most serious gym addict will consider resting when Aunt Flo visits. But here is the truth, dear ladies, bleeding, cramping and all such discomforts can make even a mere 20-30 minute workout seem like a huge achievement.
While we sit around lazing on our period days, there are women like Kiran Gandhi, who made it to the headlines for running the London Marathon while on her periods and that too without a tampon (1). She wanted to create awareness about all those women who lack access to feminine hygiene products by doing this. Seek inspiration from women like Kiran and get to exercising even during your period. Here’s a very informative heads up regarding exercising during your periods. Read on.
1. It helps In Finding Relief From The Period-Related Symptoms
We get it that working out is the last thing you’d want to do because of all the cramp pains you’re facing during your period. But it turns out that working out can actually help you get rid of the annoying symptoms of the period. The more active you will be, the more active will your activities be, and therefore, the more regular your periods are bound to be. And regular workout means just one thing — less flow and fewer cramps to deal with.
We’ll give you a detailed explanation: When we sweat, our body lets go of the water, and this helps in relieving a bloated belly. Exercising regularly also releases endorphins that boost a positive frame of mind by distracting your mind from the pain (2).
2. The Best Time To HIIT Is During Your Periods
For those who aren’t aware, HIIT refers to high-intensity interval training (3). When a woman is on her periods, her progesterone and estrogen levels drop because of which she can access glycogen/carbohydrates easily. In simpler words, during periods, a woman’s body is capable of breaking down fats and accessing the fuel that the body requires at a much faster pace. Therefore, if you want to set off on a weight loss spree, then consider the time of your periods as the best time to start with it. Exercising during periods will help you to get more positive effects in short intervals of workouts.
3. It Keeps Your Body Cool
Working out while on periods will help you get rid of the heat of the body and keep your body cool. In general, as it is, the body temperature is slightly lower when on periods. And this is mainly because of the low hormone phase of the body. Another fun fact here is that women are capable of tolerating hotter or humid climates while on their periods. So, which kind of exercise do you think is best to indulge in here? Hot yoga of course!
4. You Can Make Your Exercise Routine More Comfortable
Studies show how nearly 90 percent of the women in the world suffer from period pains (4). Therefore, it’s okay, you don’t have to feel like you’re the only one suffering from it. And you can do all that it takes to find some relief from the agony of pains. And when you know that the period pains are going to stop you from hitting the gym, then we suggest you go ahead and use over-the-counter pain relievers to keep the pains at bay even before Aunt Flo visits you. And if you happen to forget to do this, you can still take the pain relievers at the very first twinge of pain you experience.
And if it’s the period stains or the tampon worries that are bothering you and keeping you away from the gym. Then, you have panty liners, menstrual cups, and period panties that can save your day.
5. But It’s Completely Okay To Take A Break
The advantages of exercising during periods can be plenty. But when you genuinely do not feel like doing it, then just don’t. Remember that the shortest, gentle scroll across your hallway too can count as an exercise and it will make you feel better. The easiest option is to perform gentle exercises if you don’t want to go about your regular workout regime. But be sure not too get used to the habit of a sedentary lifestyle.
Lastly, we’d like to add that if you feel that the pain you face during your periods regularly sidelines you from achieving your body goals, then we suggest that you need to visit your gynecologist and get yourself checked. Major aches and heavy periods can also be a sign of critical diseases like endometriosis (5).
Do you workout during your periods? How do you tackle the period problems? Let us know in the comments section below.
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