We have all been there. A day or two into your period and you are suffering from cramps, lower back pain, fatigue and a general sense of lethargy. The last thing on your mind is exercise and sticking to a fitness plan. Rather than taking the week of your period off, experts say to stick to your routine and get in the gym!
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends regular exercise to help with symptoms of PMS. Once you get going, the chances of boosting your mood, warding off fatigue and sleeping better are extremely high. Additionally, exercise helps to stimulate the release of endorphins, which act as a natural painkiller and mood elevator. What more can a PMS-ing woman want?
As for the type of exercise you choose, it’s really up to you. While we would not recommend starting a new routine, if you regularly switch it up, go for more therapeutic types. Swimming and yoga can be beneficial for relieving lower back pressure, while walking outside allows you to breathe in fresh air and enjoy the beautiful scenery surrounding you. High-intensity activities such as a long run or spin class are also good choices as they help sweat the pain, exhaustion and blues away.
As with any physical activity you do, listen to your body and what it is telling you. If something does not feel right or worsens your PMS symptoms, stop immediately and resume your routine the next day or once you have completed your cycle. And if you prefer to take the day off, get in your comfy clothes and sit on the couch with some dark chocolate; enjoy it and don’t feel bad! Just be sure to get back into an exercise routine the following day.