How to Move During Your Cycle

When it’s the time of the month when you are dealing with cramps, fatigue, and low energy, doing your regular workout would be the last thing you want to do. But getting out of bed and moving around your body can actually make you feel good, both mentally and physically.

We are not the only ones telling you to do that. Research has also shown that regular movement and exercise during your periods can be beneficial for your entire cycle. According to a study, exercise during periods can be very effective in reducing PMS symptoms and can also be used as treatment.

Type of Movement You Need

Now that you know how important it is to keep yourself active, you might want to engage yourself in some activity. But first, think about your perimenstrual phase. Which type of exercise is best for you? And when should you exercise?

Well, similar to eating during the perimenstrual phase, this area also requires you to find what works best for you. But we can share some good ideas to guide your movement. 

Although physical movement during your perimenstrual phase can be very helpful if you are low in energy or feeling discomfort, then we have some easy options for you:

Low impact movement: Some low impact movements like stretching, yoga and Pilates are easy to be done and will keep you active throughout your cycle. 

Aerobic Exercises: Simple aerobic exercises or activities like walking, running, or swimming will elevate your heart rate and reduce perimenstrual symptoms.

Listen to Your Body

Most of the women feel their motivation level going down as they enter into their perimenstrual phase. If you are one of them and cannot feel yourself keeping up with the regular activity, that's totally normal.

Just listen to your body and take rest if needed. And if you feel guilty about it. Remind yourself that rest is a key part of living a healthy lifestyle. Just like other ebbs and flows in your health journey, your workout routine can also be different throughout your cycle.

So, if you don't feel like adjusting your normal exercise routine during this time period, don't pressure yourself. You can do it afterward when you are feeling much better.

What is the Right Movement For You

Well, if you are looking for the right exercise to do during your periods, stop looking. Because there is no "right" or "wrong" when it comes to movement during your cycle. As we have discussed above, all you need to do is be aware of how you feel and experiment to find  what works best for you,

Take a moment and think about how you feel during your perimenstrual phase—do you have symptoms throughout the phase? Do you experience mild symptoms? Or no symptoms at all? Well, everybody is different, and so is each cycle.

Some people stay the whole day in their beds, while some can even do high-intensity exercises during their periods because they feel no symptoms at all. So, experiment with what works for you.

First, go with low-intensity exercises and rest days to see how you feel and what your symptoms are. You can also adjust your exercises according to your symptoms. The day you are feeling low, take some rest and do gentle yoga or stretching. And the next day, when you are feeling much better, you can continue your exercise routine.

Here is a guide to help dictate your movements. How do you feel just before and after your period?

I don't have any symptoms

Business as usual, continue with your normal routine

I have mild symptoms

I have severe symptoms and/or low motivation

Final Words

Exercise or physical activity during your periods may seem unreasonable, but it can provide many benefits, including reducing the symptoms you face during that time. By moving your body, we don't mean that you just go to the gym and start doing some heavy workouts.

These movements mean simple and low-intensity activities that will make you feel better. And even if you do not feel like doing anything. Just take a rest that day. You can start your routine tomorrow as well. The first thing is 

Pay attention to how your body feels around your period. You may find tracking your symptoms (if you experience any) to be helpful.