The fact that once a month comes the period can be annoying in our workouts, despite the fact that many ads show women doing the handstand and jumping with happiness. Sport is a good ally to alleviate the pain of menstruation and to make you momentarily forget that you have it.
Many women think that doing workouts with the period is bad for our body, but they are very wrong. It is true that we cannot carry the same level of intensity on the strongest days of the period, since the loss of blood and fluids can keep us low on energy.
In this article we are going to tell you about the benefits of exercising and how to do it in the best way.
Can i train
The answer is yes . There is no reason why you should stay home for the 4-7 days that your period lasts, but you can take a break on the day that you feel really low in energy. Don't force your body and learn to listen to it.
In the past it was said that sport affected the menstrual cycle and that it was harmful to health . Science has shown that there is no link between one thing and another. It is possible that professional athletes who undergo hard and intense training have irregularities in their cycle, but just like a person subjected to stress at work can suffer. What is 100% sure is that your period will not disappear or be cut because you go to the gym or go running.
Benefits of sport in menstruation
Sport favors controlling your mood changes . When we train, our body produces endorphins (hormones of happiness) and these act as natural painkillers in our body while providing us with better humor. Although it may seem contradictory, exercising gives us more energy . During the period of the period and up to a week later, your body generates hormones, naturally producing more energy. And, although you may not believe it because of your abdominal or headaches, your body is completely ready to do an exercise session.
Choose the physical activity that best suits you on those days. Maybe you don't feel like running for 40 minutes or boxing, as you bet on something more relaxed like yoga. Even swimming can help calm your body and reduce colic pain.
Of course, it is super important that you stay well hydrated. We know that you have a good habit of having your water bottle handy, but especially these days it will help you to reduce fluid retention and recompose your body from those you expel.
Tips to make it more bearable
We are not going to deceive ourselves, even if it is a natural process, having menstruation is a bit of a pain. You have to be aware of tampons, compresses or menstrual cups, you become a little obsessive to know if you have stained yourself, you feel a little lower in energy and you feel like everything prohibited.
When it comes to sports, choose clothes that are a little more comfortable than usual . Fluid retention on these days is higher than normal and if we stick too closely we may notice more tired legs. In addition, you will surely have a slightly swollen belly and it may be uncomfortable to notice the pressure of the leggings. It is not necessary that you go with wide pants, use some tight without reducing for example.
Keep in mind that you may need an extra protection while exercising. The most comfortable thing is to use tampons because it will not have contact with the outside and the walls of that area apply pressure to keep it in place. You can "quarter health" also using a compress in case you suffer any loss in any movement.
Having menstruation is not a bad fact, and even if you suffer abdominal pain, do sports. Go for a walk, jog, ride a bike, do yoga … Avoid eliminating physical activity and reduce the intensity of your usual workouts if you feel lazy.
What should I take during this monthly stage?
Our body undergoes hormonal and physical changes, fluid retention is increased and blood is lost, so we must have a slightly special diet during these days.
It is important that we add foods with iron , since the blood is formed thanks to this mineral and we have to avoid falling into anemia. Calcium, pineapple and teas will help us with fluid retention. Above all, these last two have diuretic effects. Finally, bet on vitamin B6 , which will stabilize our hormonal levels.
Follow your usual diet and indulge yourself if you feel like it.
