It is common to question whether or not to exercise while on your period. Issues such as pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS) can affect a woman's ability to exercise. Some women report that exercise is the last thing on their minds while they are bleeding, and others say that it helps with cramps and other menstruation symptoms. Let's explore whether exercising on your period is right for you.
Should I work out on my period?
Incorporating regular exercise into your fitness regimen can help alleviate menstrual symptoms, including:
- Lethargy
- Heavy blood flow
- Cramps
- Mood swings
There is no conclusive research stating that you should not exercise while on your period. However, it's recommended to take it easier — especially on your heaviest days of bleeding.
During your period you might feel like completely relaxing and not putting any extra stress on your body. This is absolutely normal, and you should listen to what your body needs. However, if you feel like going out for a run, there is no scientific research that says you shouldn't. Ultimately, the intensity of your workout is completely up to you.
Benefits of working out during your period
Although it might feel more difficult to exercise during your period, there are a number of benefits behind those workouts, including:
| Benefit | Impact |
| Sweating | The release of water from your body can help relieve bloating. |
| Release of endorphins | These are happy hormones that can boost your mood. |
| Stress-relief | Stress can cause period cramps to be worse. Regular exercise is a great stress reliever and can potentially reduce period cramps. |
| Energy | Regular exercise can give you more energy, which is especially useful during your period when energy levels tend to be lower. |
What activities should you do during your period?
While a full HIIT circuit or resistance bands and weight training session might not be your idea of a fun period workout, there are other, more gentle forms of exercise that are perfect for those lethargic days.
| Activity | Impact |
| Walking | Taking a stroll outside and getting some fresh air can be great for easing cramps. |
| Stretching | Stretching focused on the hips and lower back feels great during those first few days of your period. |
| Gentle workouts | Low-intensity workouts are great to do when you are on your period, they are less stressful on your body while still increasing energy and blood flow and burning calories. |
| Yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates | These gentle forms of exercise are ideal for those of you who want to keep moving but are looking for something more gentle. |
There are many styles of yoga, so if you are new to it, take the time to find out which style will be best for you on your period. You could try yin or restorative yoga, which contains mostly seated and reclined postures using props for support.
Recommended yoga poses for period relief
There are some yoga styles and poses that are more challenging during your period. If you are looking for gentle movement then you would do best to avoid the vinyasa and ashtanga styles of yoga, which are much more dynamic.
If you are experiencing cramps, back pain, or any other menstrual symptoms, try these gentle and restorative yoga poses:
| Yoga pose | Impact |
| Butterfly pose | From a seated position, bring the soles of the feet together and fold forward, using a prop such as a block under the head as needed. Stay for 1–5 minutes. |
| Reclined butterfly pose | Lay down on your back and bring the soles of the feet together, allowing the knees to fall to the sides. Place one hand on the belly and one hand on the heart. Breathe deeply and stay for 1–5 minutes. |
| Supported bridge | Place a block under the sacrum by lifting the hips and sliding it underneath you. Relax the front surface of your body, allowing your spine to lengthen. Stay here for 1–3 minutes. |
| Cat/Cow | From a tabletop position on hands and knees, exhale around the back like a cat and inhale arch the spine, looking up. Repeat 6 times. |
If you decide to continue your regular high-intensity exercise routine while on your period, you may also find these gentle yoga stretches help relieve any PMS symptoms. Remember, it's up to you how much you work out and when. Listen to your body, and if you know you need rest while you are on your period, then take it. You can adapt your workouts to suit your energy levels and where you are in your cycle.
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It is common for women to question whether they should exercise during their menstrual cycle.
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There is no scientific evidence that exercising while on your period is bad. In fact, in some cases, it can help alleviate PMS.
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You may wish to modify your exercise routine if you feel low energy during your period.
2 resources
- Sports Medicine. The effect of the menstrual cycle on exercise metabolism.
- Frontiers in Psychology. Menstrual cycle, psychological responses, and adherence to physical exercise: Viewpoint of a possible barrier.
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