Working Out Around Your Period

Periods are the worst. But at the same time, if you’re getting your period every single month (especially when you’re not on the pill that is forcing you to have a period), it’s a great reminder that you have a body that is healthy enough to perform its month duties. And that’s a great thing. I know everyone here knows what a period so I don’t need to go into great deal, so here’s the recap from a non-science teacher who should not be trying to teach you anything science related –

• Every month your hormones change which leads your ovaries to release estrogen and progesterone. These hormones cause the lining of the uterus to build up and then if there is no fertilized egg, the lining breaks down and bleeds. There’s the short and sweet.
• This monthly fun-time of hormone changes leads to irritability, cramps, fatigue, headaches, muscle aches, joint pain and more.

Aren’t periods the best? Oh yeah, I already stated they are the worst.

A question I’m always surprised to get in my inbox is about periods – do I workout on period, should anything change in my workout when I’m on my period, etc. etc. And the short answer is always – LISTEN TO YOUR BODY. I don’t know what YOUR body needs because I’m not in there. You are. And learning to listen to your body is the best tool you can have.

Here’s some things to keep in mind when you’re about to start your period or you are on it –

1. We tend to have less energy right before and towards the end of our period
2.  Energy spikes in the middle, around ovulation, because of high estrogen levels

Now let’s talk about the actual working out. Working out is great for a few things – mood, energy, and cramps. So in theory, working out during your period can definitely be helpful. Blood flow is great for cramps and reducing inflammation. But if you’re looking to PR your clean and jerk the day your period drops in, maybe calm TF down. Many women olympic lifters time their competitions around their period to ensure they are not on it during that time, especially because joint and tendon injuries can occur. Periods can throw everything off. If you’re looking to simply move that day – maybe go to a spin class or a light jog or simply a walk in the park. If your body is saying FUCK YOU MAN, then listen to it and take the day off. Just because you didn’t plan to have a rest day that day doesn’t mean it is the end of the word. The more we can learn to listen to what our body needs IN THAT MOMENT, the better we can take care of it longterm. Will one unplanned rest day screw up your entire month? No. It will probably lead to a more balanced month with bigger gains since you let your body heal. No need for you to tell your body what to do around that time, it’s just a good time for you to listen instead.