Lea Sarmiento, Period Pro from SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University
Spoiler alert: yes, you absolutely can! Let’s spill the details.
Lea Sarmiento, Period Pro
Whether you want to put your heating pad on your belly and snuggle up on the couch with your favorite snack OR you feel energized for some physical activity, you can do anything while on your period! It’s important to not compare yourself to your best friend, classmate, or female family members during your period. Everybody’s body is different and will need different things during this time.
Your period can also make you feel different from month to month. Maybe last month you had the energy to sprint across the basketball court during recess, but this month all you may want to do is to get in bed early and read your book. It is normal to experience different feelings from cycle to cycle, and you should never force yourself to do something you don’t feel comfortable doing.
In the chance you are feeling up to it during your period, some exercise could actually help alleviate those pesky period cramps, change your mood for the better, and boost your energy up! You heard me right, exercise could help! Endorphins are these hormones that get released when our bodies are working hard, our heart rates are climbing, and you notice beads of sweat on your body! Think of endorphins like a little happiness booster – they help your body naturally relieve pain, reduce stress, and put you in a more energized state of mind.
Here are some things to keep in mind to keep you confident if you choose to get some movement in during those first few days of your cycle:
Listen to your body! If your body is telling you to rest, it is okay to rest. If your body is giving you the courage to get that heart rate up, go for it! At the end of the day, it’s all about doing what feels right for you.
If you choose to move your body, it could look different than other times of your cycle, and that is a-ok. Exercise comes in so many different forms and engaging in some more light-moderate activities during your period can go a long way for your well-being. Try going on a nature walk, stretching, or practicing gentle yoga if you want to slow down while still moving. If swimming, cardio, and weight training are your jam, it’s totally safe to keep doing them during this time in your cycle! Period Pro tip: To feel most confident when exercising on your period, start by wearing clothes that make you feel most comfortable. Then, take some trial runs to test out different period products to see which one makes you feel the best when moving your body! Tampons, pads, menstrual cups…all products are safe for use during exercise, so pick one that works for you and your movement. 🙂
Post-movement care is just as important as the movement itself, especially during your cycle! Make sure you are staying extra hydrated and getting enough sleep. Your body is doing something amazing, and you definitely need to replenish it as you move through your period.
Remember, everybody is unique– embrace what feels best for you!
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