Kiran Gandhi from London recently appeared in news for running the marathon during her menstrual cycle and that, too, without any protection. She did this mostly to raise awareness among women who think that physical activity should be restricted during their period. If someone can run for 27 miles while menstruating, is a 45-minute work out session too much for you? Yet many of us skip the gym during our time of the month. It can be a challenge because we feel bloated and sore all over. However, keep these few benefits in mind the next time you want to exercise while on your period.
Exercising Will Help Reduce PMS
Most of us who suffer from various kinds of issues before or during our period stay away from working out. Abdominal pain and fatigue are the main reasons we want to avoid exercising in the first place. But the truth is that if you exercise regularly, it will reduce your period-induced symptoms, especially bloating.
But how? Well, exercise helps you in getting rid of excess water since you sweat a lot after working out. When excess water is released, your body is not bloated and feels fresher. Also, exercising is the reason behind the happy hormone, endorphin, which will uplift our mood and keep our hormones balanced.
You Can Do More Intense Sessions
Even if we do decide to exercise during this time, we tend to go for light workout sessions or a brisk walk. However, recent research has proven that our body produces lower levels of estrogen and progesterone during our period. Worry not because this helps our body push harder and hence, fast-paced workouts like HIIT can be done during this time. Next time you plan to exercise during your periods, pull out all stops and do as much as you can.
Exercising Will Keep Your Body Cool
It has been found that our body has lower temperature during our menstrual cycle. Our body can tolerate higher temperatures and a humid climate during this time. When you go work out during this time, you will sweat more and that will help your body to keep cool. But, if you feel you are not comfortable enough while exercising, it is completely up to you.
It Reduces Pain
Various kinds of pains and aches during menstruation is very common. In fact, dysmenorrhea, or menstrual cramps, is very common among women. But it has been found that even light exercise like yoga or walking helps reduce the pain. It might not be easy at first, trying to deal with the pain while exercising, but try to power through that and keep on going with your routine. You’ll feel much different in a while!
However, each of us is different, and hence it is best to listen to our body. If you feel like you can do intense exercise, go for it! If you want to go for a light workout, then you can do so, too. If you feel too tired and want to rest, it is fine to take a break as well. Don’t force yourself to do something that you don’t like, but don’t think that having your period limits what you can do for yourself.
