Why You Shouldn’t Skip Exercise During Your Period - And What To Do Instead

Why You Shouldn’t Skip Exercise During Your Period - And What To Do Instead

Gentle exercise during your period can ease cramps, boost mood, and improve energy.

What Causes Irregular Periods — And When Should You Worry? Reading Why You Shouldn’t Skip Exercise During Your Period - And What To Do Instead 3 minutes Next How to Support Someone Through Their First Period?

Craving a nap during your period? Totally normal. But skipping your workouts might not be doing you any favours. While lying low is tempting, science shows that gentle exercise during your menstrual cycle can offer some surprising benefits.

Why Move During Your Period?

Hormonal shifts during menstruation can lower energy and increase discomfort. But moving your body—even just a little—can release endorphins, reduce bloating, and help you feel more like yourself.

Here’s why it’s worth putting on your leggings:

  • Feel-Good Hormones: Exercise boosts endorphins and dopamine, which help relieve pain and improve mood.

  • Less Cramping: Aerobic movement increases blood flow and may help relax muscles around the uterus.

  • Improved Digestion: Regular activity can ease constipation and bloating, two common period woes.

  • Better Sleep & Focus: Physical activity helps regulate sleep cycles and reduce brain fog, which can be off during your period.

What To Do (And What To Skip)

Your energy and comfort level will guide the way. Here’s a simple framework.

✅ Best Exercises:

  • Yoga poses like child’s pose and cobra to relieve tension.

  • Pilates or stretching to support gentle movement and flexibility.

  • Walking for low-impact cardio that gets the blood flowing.

  • Swimming (if you're comfortable) for full-body relief and mood-boosting endorphins.

✅ Exercise With Caution:

  • Heavy lifting or high-intensity training might feel harder and increase fatigue.

  • Skip these if you're already drained or in pain.

Period-Ready Tips for Working Out

✅Pack period supplies in your gym bag, and don’t forget your period underwear.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️The Charlie is ultra-absorbent with 4D leak protection (front, back, and between the legs), making them ideal for jogging, walking, or cycling. 

Prefer a no-show fit under leggings?

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ The Toni, our high-rise thong, stays invisible while still offering protection. Wear them on their own on lighter days, or pair with other kind of menstrual products for extra backup on heavy flow days.

✅Change clothes post-workout to stay clean and comfortable.

✅Stay hydrated, especially if you’re feeling bloated or low-energy.

✅Track your symptoms to see how workouts affect your cycle. You may be surprised what helps.

When to Rest Instead

If your symptoms—pain, fatigue, nausea—are overwhelming, rest is the right choice. Listen to your body and give it what it needs. Some days, a warm bath beats a workout.

Final Thoughts

Your period doesn’t have to hit pause on your fitness goals. Gentle movement might actually be the best thing for your body (and your mood) during this time. Whether it’s a full-body stretch or a light walk, the most important thing is doing what feels right for you.

 

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