If you tend to skip exercise during that time of the month, then this article is for YOU!

When you’re on your period, all you feel like doing is lying down on the couch under the blanket, eating ice cream and having a good read. But, what your body really needs is the complete opposite! In fact, many studies suggest that women who exercise while menstruating feel better. Actually, the more you exercise regularly, the better you feel on your period- fewer cramps, less heavy flow, and better mood. Exercise releases mood-boosting hormones (endorphins) in your body and takes your mind off the pain.

 So, what exercise can you do?

 Listen to your body! One thing we know is that period affects each person differently. It also varies for the same person from month to month and day to day. Technically, you can do your typical workout even if you’re on your period. Research shows that hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle do not affect muscle activity, heart rate, and oxygen consumption. So, you should be fine doing any type of exercise during your period.  Mild cramps respond well to exercise but do not push yourself if you have severe cramps or nausea and you are not feeling well. It is definitely okay to reduce the intensity of your workout or skip it all together that day.

Here’s what you would not expect…swimming is one of the best workouts you can do while on your period, as it takes the pressure off your back if you generally use tampons.

If you don’t want to go all out, any exercise is better than no exercise at all. You can go for a brisk walk, stretching session, yoga class, Pilates class or any light cardio exercise. Try one of the workout videos on our youtube page.