There are numerous benefits to working out on your period.

Learn expert-approved strategies for staying comfortable.

Heres how your menstrual health and fitness routine can go hand-in-hand.

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(you’re free to also try differentstretches for menstrual cramps.)

It also increases blood flow to the pelvic organs.

It boosts your mood

Sticking to a period fitness routine can help boost your mood.

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board-certified OB/GYN and founder of Walk In GYN Care

But exercise during period may help.

It reduces period flow

Does exercise reduce period flow?

According to a March 2021 study published in theWomen in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, it might.

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Aka all the more reason to do a menstrual cycle workout.

There are also some dangers of overexercising to be aware of.

Thats why there are important things to mind when choosing a menstrual cycle workout.

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Which exercise is best during your period?

Ready to try someworkouts for PMS?

Experts recommend adding some period-friendly exercises into your fitness routine if youre feeling up to it.

pregnant person with long brown hair in a black tank top and pants and flowy tan overshirt looking at their baby clothes and awaiting birth, to show concept of superfetation pregnancy

board-certified OB/GYN and founder of Walk In GYN Care

Jogging

Prefer some cardio?

Go for a jog.

And the endorphins will, of course, boost your mood, too.

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Increasing strength there will help you retain better control of your lower limbs and resist injury.

This way, youll also effectively offset the slow-down experts recommend once your period hits.

Also, during that pre-period, metabolism-pumping phase,you may feel hungrier, Dr. Krishnan says.

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In which case, go ahead and eat a little more.

When it comes to working out on your period, go with whatever feels best for you.

FAQ

1.

Should I work out on the first day of my period?

If youre wondering if you should work out on the first day of your period, go for it.

What exercises should be avoided during periods?

That might be opting for workout modifications or choosing low-impact exercises like yoga or swimming.

Balachandar, Vivek et al.

2017, doi:10.11138/mltj/2017.7.1.136

Lefevre, N et al.

99,5 (2013): 571-5. doi:10.1016/j.otsr.2013.02.005

Martin, Dan et al.

Injury Incidence Across the Menstrual Cycle in International Footballers.Frontiers in sports and active livingvol.

2021, doi:10.3389/fspor.2021.616999

Schwartz, Gary J et al.

The lipid messenger OEA links dietary fat intake to satiety.Cell metabolismvol.

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