We all know the benefits of physical activity in all areas of life. We all also know that feeling during menstruation when we have no strength, desire, or need to move. So when will physical activity be compatible with menstruation? And what should we know just before we go out for such a workout? Sports during menstruation - all the answers are here.
Why is it really worth doing sports during menstruation?
There are several very good reasons to make an effort to exercise during your period:
- The wide range of benefits of exercise can greatly assist in dealing with menstruation and its associated symptoms. As we all know, exercise boosts your mood due to the endorphins that are released as a result. Also, muscle movement, such as contracting and releasing them, can reduce pain and relieve tension. These benefits are very important and even multiply during menstruation.
- Maintaining a consistent training routine is one of the most important rules when you want to lead a healthy lifestyle and later achieve achievements (whether it's improving health indicators, losing weight, achieving better results in competition, etc.). Menstruation can last from a few days to more than a week, and a complete cessation of training during this period can certainly be noticeable upon returning to routine.
- From a principled (and perhaps a bit feminist) perspective, the decision not to exercise during menstruation is a widely debated one. Are we doomed to exercise less because we are women?
So why is it worth rethinking sports during menstruation?
Because when we are menstruating, it is difficult for us to "give it our all at the gym," and the culture of victory that claims that willpower is stronger than the body can be dangerous. During menstruation, our resources are directed elsewhere, and not all of them are available for us to invest all of ourselves in physical activity. If we continue to push our bodies to the limit, we may end up harming them.
As we know, menstruation can be a very emotionally challenging time, and any small change can make us feel uncomfortable. For example, if someone exercises during menstruation in the same way they normally do, they may find it more difficult or reach lower levels of performance due to menstrual cramps . As a result, they may turn inward harsh, unjustified self-criticism that is not connected to their body.
What is the conclusion?
Listening to your body is the key to exercising during your period. Pay attention to what your body requires during these days. It may be asking for a gentler workout, softer movements, longer stretches. It may be asking for complete rest, or it may really want to get out and hit the gym, pool, or any other sport you love to do. Personal adjustments can make the difference between a successful and attentive workout, and a difficult and frustrating workout.
3 tips for exercising during menstruation
- Try gentler exercise styles than usual. Yoga, swimming, and even Pilates.
- Choose comfortable sportswear that will signal to your body that you are ready to move. For example, a supportive sports bra .
- Make sure you drink enough water because you are losing a lot more fluids than usual (due to the bleeding).
