I was always skeptical about working out on my period. I guess my biases are to blame for that. However, the fact is that I was wrong! Sure, I don’t exercise when it’s too uncomfortable to exercise, but that has nothing to do with the cramps. On the contrary, when I started exercising during my menstrual cycle, I learned a lot about my body and how some kind of physical exercise helped me relieve stomach cramps. So I asked a doctor to help us better understand how to exercise during periods.
Should you exercise while on your period?
Well, that’s not the first time you’ve thought about taking your menstrual cycle into account when it comes to going to the gym, right? Although there are too many women asking this question, there is too little research to give you a legitimate answer. HealthShots had to contact a professional to help you figure it out. We spoke to Dr. Lavanya Kiran, Senior Consultant, Obstetrician and Gynecologist and Reproductive Medicine, Cloudnine Group of Hospitals, Bengaluru.
Dr. Kiran says there’s no scientific evidence to suggest you shouldn’t exercise during your period. “In fact, there is some evidence that exercise can be helpful during this time and periods are more regular in girls who exercise regularly.”
Read also : 4 reasons why exercising during your period is really good for you
However, she adds that you need to understand your menstrual cycles to know why and what type of exercise you need to do during your period.
Cycle your exercise to your menstrual cycle
Each menstruator has a menstrual cycle between 22 and 35 days per month. Hormonal changes occur throughout your menstrual cycle, leading to many changes in your emotions and energy levels. Each menstrual cycle has different phases, which include menstruation, follicular phase, ovulation, and luteal phase. Here is an explanation by Dr. Kiran of each of these phases.
1. Menstrual phase
In this phase, the levels of hormones called progesterone and estrogen lead to bleeding. In other words, the days of periods when the liner is lost, which normally last 3-5 days. You can do low-intensity exercise, stretching, or breathing exercises during this phase.
Read also : LIIT exercise you can do during your period
2. Follicular phase
As the bleeding stops, hormone levels gradually increase and the follicular phase begins, where the ovaries begin to produce follicles and you begin to feel better. This is when you can resume your strenuous exercise. During this phase, your estrogen levels also increase, which makes you feel good.
3. Ovulation phase
As the follicles mature and egg release occurs, usually halfway between your period, you can continue to do the exercises. If you’ve had fertility treatment, it may be best to keep the exercise less strenuous.
4. Luteal phase
During this phase, there is an increase in progesterone and a small amount of estrogen. You can continue doing your routine exercises. If fertilization occurs, progesterone rises again. You won’t get your period. This is when you need to see the doctor for further advice. If fertilization/implantation does not occur, menstruation will resume.
Read also : Does the absence of periods mean that you are pregnant? This is what a gynecologist says
No need to stop exercising during your period
In short, there is no good enough excuse to stop exercising regularly. According to the expert, exercise is useful at any time. People who exercise regularly feel better physically and have fewer mood swings. It can even soothe premenstrual symptoms such as menstrual cramps and back pain. Exercise if you want to and if you’re comfortable doing it during your period!
