Why you should be exercising during your menses
LADIES, WORKING out while on your period is great! The overpowering cramps, bloating, fatigue, plus the constant mood swings are enough to persuade many to skip the gym and completely forget about exercising. However, suspending workout time to allow this moment to pass is not the best decision. Dr Kirian Bridgewater says exercising during menstruation has several benefits.
Needless to say, exercising on and off your menses is a must. For those of us who enjoy hitting the gym, high-intensity interval training (HIIT), like crossfit, should be one of your focuses.
“For one, it will combat the pain, fatigue, and depression that you feel because of the low levels of oestrogen and progesterone during your period,” Bridgewater explained.
Natural painkiller
Bridgewater told Flair: “When a woman performs HIIT she releases chemicals from the brain called endorphins. We call these the body’s natural morphine, because their chemical make-up is very similar to that of a strong painkiller. When they are released, they stimulate receptors in the body that relieves pain and gives off happy feelings.”
Bye-bye, bloating
Interestingly, not all exercise routines will help, but aerobic exercises are some of the best. So take a walk, jog, run, or even dance. According to the expert, all you need is one hour for just three times for the week. These will simultaneously increase the levels of two hormones in your body, oestrogen and progesterone, and decrease the levels of others that retain water. Hence, no more bloating.
And there’s a bonus. “It also reduces prostaglandins, which are responsible for the contractions of your uterus. So, this means less cramps for you during this time,” she said.
She also highlighted that exercising lightens your flow. If you’ve recently started your keepfit sessions or plan to begin soon, simply to lessen the ooze, it won’t happen immediately. It takes time and commitment. Not to mention, as the doc says, “If done consistently, exercising can help to regularise your periods and, of course, prevent chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension.”