Bloating, cramping, fatigue, irritability and depression are all symptoms on a long list of the effects of your period. Some of these occur during premenstrual syndrome, or PMS, while others continue through the end of your period. While it's not the most enjoyable time of the month for any woman, exercise has shown to reduce symptoms of PMS, ease pain during your period and potentially lift your mood.
Exercise Recommendation
Walking, cycling, swimming or any other aerobic activity should be done for 30 minutes or more, most days of the week. While this is pertinent for a healthy lifestyle in general, the benefits of exercise will also alleviate fatigue and a depressed mood, according to MayoClinic.com, both of which can occur during PMS and your period. Cardio is not the only option, either. Strength training, yoga and any other activity that encourages blood flow can be just as beneficial in making your period an easy one.
Benefits of Exercise
Depending on your period, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. Crippling cramps, low energy and crankiness can make you less than excited to throw on your workout clothes. Yet exercise increases blood flow to all areas of the body, including the uterus, which can relieve cramping. The blood circulation can also relieve headaches, soften food cravings and release endorphins, which will lift your spirits and banish a bad mood.
Relaxation
Your period is often a stressful time physically and mentally. Including relaxation forms of exercise, such as yoga, walking or gardening, will aid in lessening your symptoms of anxiety, sleeplessness and stress. Always.com recommends yoga for restoring balance and relieving cramps and heavy bleeding. Downward Facing Dog, Cobra, Cat Pose, Fish Pose, Plank and Wind Pose will provide some relief. Take time off from inverting, however, to avoid reversing the natural flow of your body.
Hazards of Exercise
While exercise is great for reducing PMS and period symptoms, there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. Vigorous exercise, resulting in a low body fat percentage, can actually cause your body to skip its periods and become irregular. Too much exercise places stress on the body, making it shut down the unnecessary functions to aid in keeping the body healthy. Since your period is only needed for reproduction, it is one of the first things to go. If you are missing your periods, visit your gynecologist to rule out any exercise-related condition.
