Incorporate stretching
Gentle stretching exercises, such as yoga, Tai chi, and Pilates, can help to extend muscles that may feel especially tense while a person is on their period.
Some people may also find swimming helps reduce painful period effects by helping them feel weightless in the water.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration can increase the likelihood a person will experience unpleasant side effects, including bloating and constipation, during their period.
Staying hydrated can keep stool moving through the bowel and reduce discomfort during an exercise session.
Keeping water on hand and taking drinks at least every 15 minutes during an exercise session can help.
Try over-the-counter pain relievers
Back pain and cramping can initially deter someone from exercising while on their period.
Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can help to reduce cramping before an exercise session.
Applying ice or a cloth covered heating pad after exercising can also help.
Keep period protection with you
Exercise can make it seem as if a person’s flow increases. This speeding up is usually because physical activity can help blood exit the uterus faster.
However, it is important that a person is prepared by wearing a tampon or a menstrual pad designed for stronger menstrual flow.
Some people may wear dark pants, just in case some blood gets onto their underwear or pants. Dark clothing makes it less noticeable if this occurs. Packing extra underwear or pants to change into after an exercise session can help.
WHAT TO AVOID
According to the OWH, there are no restrictions on what exercises people do while on their periods.
A person should always take measures to exercise safely. This may include wearing protective equipment and refraining from lifting excessively heavy weights without a spotter or support.
Overall, it is best that people listen to their body during their period. If a person feels very fatigued, they could reduce the intensity of their exercise routine to prevent excessive tiredness.
There is no scientific data to prove people should restrict specific exercises or that they cannot exercise to their fullest ability during their period.
Dangers of overexercising
It is important to be aware that excessive exercise can cause a person to miss their period.
Endurance and high performance athletes may skip periods due to hormonal and body changes. If a person has started an intense exercise routine and starts missing periods, they should talk to their doctor.
Having a regular menstrual cycle is usually a sign of good health. Starting to miss periods could signal a person is overdoing it when it comes to exercise.
Takeaway
Exercise during a period may help relieve symptoms and is also beneficial for overall health.
People do not need to restrict any particular physical activities when on their periods unless they experience pain or discomfort, which suggests they should slow down.
SOURCE:https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326364
