Benefits Of Exercising During Your Period
Did you know that working out is one of the best antidotes to your period problems? Contrary to what you may have heard about training during your period, training can help minimize your period symptoms. So, unless your doctor has advised you to rest or you have a condition such as menorrhagia (characterized by extremely heavy period flow), there is no reason for you to skip your workout sessions.
In fact, it is recommended that you work out at least 3 times per week. You can indulge in low or moderate-intensity exercises when you are on your period. These include yoga, dancing, and jogging. In this article, we will take a look at some of the advantages of working out during your period. Some of these benefits include:
- It Can Lift Your Mood
It’s quite a struggle dealing with irritability, anxiety, and overall moodiness during your period. You may get upset by the smallest things and get irritated quickly with people. Exercising when you are feeling down may help in lifting your mood. This is because when you work out, your body releases endorphins, which will lift your mood;
- It Helps In Relieving Period Pain
If you have unbearable period pains, chances are that you will always try to find any excuse to skip workouts. After all, exercising when blood is flowing out of you and stomach cramps are getting better of you does not sound like a good idea.
However, that is not the case; exercising can help relieve stomach cramps. Several studies, including one by the British Journal of General Practice, have shown that exercise can relieve menstrual cramps. This is because exercising boosts blood circulation and thus reduces pain. Additionally, it helps in the release of beta-endorphins, which acts as the body’s natural pain killer.
- It Can Help You Feel Energized
Low estrogen and progesterone levels in the body, along with excruciating period pain, can leave you feeling drowsy and fatigued during your period. Nevertheless, working out can help in minimizing fatigue and help you feel more energetic, thus increasing your productivity.
Exercise improves blood flow and thus helps in the efficient transportation of nutrients and oxygen to the muscle tissues, which improves their ability to produce energy in the form of ATP.
- It Can Regulate Your Period
Did you know that you can regulate your period? If you suffer from a heavy period flow, exercising can make it lighter. This is because working out regulates hormones, which are directly linked to how light or heavy your period is. It also works the same if you have irregular periods since it helps in regulating and stabilizing your cycle.
- It Reduces PMS
Most women experience mood swings and tiredness in the days leading to the period. This condition is known as Pre-Menstrual Tension or PMS. Light workouts such as swimming or walking can help to relieve some tiredness and mood-related symptoms.