Me: Did you do your workout today?
Client: No it’s the first day of my period. The bleeding, cramping, bloating! I just can’t!
Me: Ok, we need to balance your hormones. Let’s look at what you’re eating first.
The week before your cycle you look in the mirror and wonder “ Is this workout really helping me” then you realize you’re a week out from your period and you’re bloated. “All that hard work for nothing”, you may say to yourself. Then you may go and eat some greasy, cheesy, salty or sweet foods that you believe makes you feel better. This is PMS and we all go through it but it doesn’t have to be this way.
Here’s the answer to the question: should you work out during your period? Yes you should, if you can. Moving your body will help fight cravings, bloating, fatigue and insomnia. I said, “If you can”, because there are conditions such as fibroids, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and other womb related illnesses that can make a workout the hardest task. Let’s discuss what can help those illnesses and if you have a healthy womb how you can get the energy and discipline to stay focused on your fitness journey.
I always relate food to hormones; when you’re eating healthy prepared foods you will see the biggest difference in your period. Most of the cravings and bloating is from mineral deficiencies and dehydration. The best way to fight this is to eat whole fruits and vegetables. They have the magnesium, iron, and water you need to have an easier cycle. This is especially the case for women with fibroids, PCOS, and endometriosis. In my program I guide women on a Whole Food Plant Based Diet that helps their womb health. Most women see major differences in the first 30 days. It’s amazing how the body responds when you feed your body the minerals it needs.
If you’re anything like me, once I start working out, I automatically start making better choices with my food. It seems that working out for an hour and only burning 600 calories isn’t worth the french fries. The french fries don’t provide any nutritional value and the funny thing is when you wake up in the morning you will see those french fries with swollen ankles, bloated belly and puffy face.
Consistency is the answer.
The cleaner you eat and display discipline your periods will be lighter with less pain and you can possibly shrink and treat fibroids naturally.
Another great reason for working out leading up to and during your cycle is that it helps balance hormones such as cortisol, insulin, thyroid hormones, and your sex hormones.
So you’re ready to start working out during your cycle but…… THE BLOOD
The blood gush! One reason why women may not want to workout during their cycle is because of the blood and gushing. Every woman has experienced the fear of having an accident in public. I hate the saying “ Normal Cycle” because everyone’s period can be different but there are some boundaries .There may be a day where you can bleed heavily and that’s usually day 1 or day 2 but that’s it. If you’re bleeding heavily for more than 2 days that is called hemorrhaging and you need to speak with your doctor. There could be underlying conditions such as fibroids, PCOS, endometriosis, etc . On those heavy days it is okay to stay home and rest. YES I SAID you can rest! Your body really is releasing blood, water, minerals, and vitamins. Stay home and replenish with intention, replace your iron with green vegetables, vitamin c with strawberries, and drink coconut water for electrolytes. A few days of rest never stopped any gainz. But remember the big truth the better you eat (whole food plant based) the less bleeding you will have and the less time off you will need.
Should I do abs workout during period? My answer is to skip the ab workout on your cycle. Exercise increases blood flow to whichever muscle group you’re working. Sending more blood to your abdominals can wait until your cycle is over.
Should I workout legs during my period? Yes!!! Here’s a tip on the last day of your cycle you are the strongest use that workout to work on a large muscle group like legs.
Practical Tips: Using a menstrual cup during your workout will make you feel FREE!!! No pads and you can’t see it through your gym leggings. You can also double up with a pad and tampon or period panties. And I know you have heard of this trick, wear dark colors while on your cycle just in case an accident happens. When I workout on my cycle I always wear a long sleeve shirt to cover my butt or to wrap around my waist. Don’t be afraid even a small start like walking is considered a workout and a great way to move your body.
See you at the gym!
