Should Women Workout during their Menstrual Cycle?

This is a question that is always asked by most women who have either started working out or who have been in sports or go for treks, etc. How can a women or a girl be out of workout for a span of 4-6 days, especially the ones who play a sport. There would be varied opinions on the same.

If we put in little logic, it does show us that working out during menstrual cycle would help every woman feel better. How is that? In general when any one works out, our body tends to release endorphin’s, the feel good hormone and makes one feel good and happy. In the case of women this is especially true, when the other hormones are already making her feel irritated, low on energy and weak during her periods.

Another positive is, better circulation and higher metabolism, both of which will make sure that all the process in the body are working well thereby also making the woman’s uterine muscles relax, which otherwise are constricted during periods and can be a major cause for cramps.  Better circulation can even help in relieving headaches and other small aches, which otherwise happens with iron deficiency during this phase.

Having said this, the intensity of workouts should not be very high, it can be low to moderate.  Also, before starting off, you may not feel like doing so but, as you start with a light warm up such as a slow walk, followed by some stretching it will make you feel better and thus take the work out forward slowly and steadily. In fact light stretching will even help you get rid of congestion in the pelvic area.

Women, who suffer severe pain and more bleeding should avoid it, as exercise can make them feel more weak and can make it very painful. Again the question pops up, why and how?

Well, during periods the woman’s Uterus and the veins inside are a little sensitive, thus any pressure on it coming be it in the form of exercise or any other activity can cause more pain. Thus, women who already encounter lot of pain, should avoid taking the risk of working out and thus rest for 2-3 days and then get back to workouts. Failing to do so can cause more weakness with loss of blood due to excessive bleeding.

All I would suggest you to do is some light walk, stretching, yoga. Few can try swimming too as it equally helps in feeling fresh, light and easing off pain.

As a precautionary step, always remember to eat something before the workouts to get the dash of energy needed to workout.