We get it: There’s a time each month when the idea of heading to the gym just feels like the worst. This is caused by the hormones progesterone and oestrogen being at their lowest levels of your cycle. The result is some of your least favourite side effects: fatigue and low energy.
And while your cycle can affect your workout, studies have found that women who exercise regularly are less likely to suffer menstrual pain, cramps and mood disturbance.6 These tips can help you feel better — and give you the power to thrive even on period days.
Of course, every person who menstruates— and every period — is different, so it’s important to listen to your body before trying any new exercises.
6 https://www.thewomens.org.au/health-information/periods/healthy-periods/exercise-diet-periods
Before your period starts
The days leading up to your period are probably going to be the toughest for getting in a good workout. Progesterone levels are dropping, which can lead to fatigue.
- Exercise in the morning, when your energy levels are at their peak.
- Try a gentler workout, like yoga. You’ll want to avoid inverted positions though, which can actually increase your flow.
- A meditation-based practice like yoga is a great option for relaxing both the body and mind and easing your whole self into that time of the month.
On your period
Hello period — goodbye low oestrogen and progesterone . The good news? These hormones start rebounding this week, and so does your energy.
- A trip to the gym or a High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout is your best fitness friend this week. You just might surprise yourself with how hard you can push it! In fact, you may find that you can up your physical activity and push the intensity while on your period.
- Exercises like Yoga, Tai Chi and Pilates can help to stretch and extend muscles that may feel especially tense while you’re on your period.
- If you’re working up a sweat, be sure to stay hydrated. Drink some water every 15 minutes while working out.
After your period ends
This is the time of the month when you’re at your best. The aches and pains of your period are gone, and oestrogen levels are rising.
- The window between your period and ovulation (about two weeks later) is the sweet spot for strong workouts.
- Try an outdoor workout, like a run, hike, bike or mountain climb.
- If you’re more of an indoor cardio queen, head to your gym for your favourite group class.
Exercise is just one way to feel better as your body changes throughout the month. Check out our other tips for feeling better on your period or try Naprogesic® for relief of your period symptoms.
Unlike general pain relievers, Naprogesic treats the cause of periods to relieve pain symptoms associated with menstruation, including abdominal cramping, muscle aches, lower back aches and headaches, so you can get back to being and feeling like yourself.
GET RELIEF FOR YOUR PERIOD PAIN SYMPTOMS
Naprogesic®
Period Pain Relief
Available in 12 and 24 tablet pack sizes
Bayer calculation based in part on data reported by NielsenIQ and IQVIA through the IQVIA™ & NielsenIQ© RMS Sell Out Service for the Pharmacy & Grocery Database, Period Pain Segment (Pharmacy only) for the 52 week period ending 06/08/2022 for the Australia Grocery and Pharmacy market according to the client defined product hierarchy.
