Training Whilst On Your Period
Ahhhh the monthly calls, what a nightmare.. And a pain. Yes, it happens, some of us get it worse than others. Periods are not all one fits all, it can vary from person to person, and how someone feels can also be different from one person to the next.
It's very easy to assume that the week of said visitor we just go for the chocolate, don't move from the sofa and we shout and be moody. As much as it would be easy to say ‘yes, actually that is true leave me alone’ it's not.
Before I go any further I am no expert, nor scientist. This is based on experience and talking to others and them sharing their stories and views.
While being on your period it can be hard to find the get up and go you may have had previously, and that is perfectly okay. It is always good to try and keep to as much routine as you can as this can help more than you realize and sometimes switching your training up is all that is required.
You do not have to keep to the intensity you normally are, you do not have to lift the same weight as you normally would. If you struggle more than others, approach your training for more mobility, make sure you stretch, do some yoga to keep the body moving but this can really help ease those pains. Bring your weight right down and go for more slow steady reps.
If you feel uncomfortable with certain movements either skip them for the cycle duration or focus on different body parts like your upper! Exercising brings out those endorphins so any movement acts as a natural painkiller so it really does help.
Keep your water intake up! Make sure you still eat and rest… listen to that body! If you have any conditions that may cause flare ups please do not hesitate to ask for help, but ultimately you know your body better than anyone and you come first.
Here are some ideas to keep you going:
Walk
Run less and slower
Bring your weight down
Make the reps slower and less
Regular breaks
Stretch!
Yoga!
Take painkillers before a workout
Eat! It is easy to miss meals but try not to
After Training:
Hot baths
Food
Relax, put Netflix on
Keep fluid intake up
Remember we have a great team of PTs on site. If you are unsure where to start or what to do we can advise you co