should you lift weights while on your period

(2018). Keep in mind that everyone is different; just because hormonal fluctuations make you feel like you should want to train hard during the follicular phase or take it easy during the luteal phase, this doesnt mean you need to do that. Period Pain. Exercising while on your period might seem like a counterintuitive thing to do, but it can help alleviate menstrual symptoms. Abdominal bloating: Pathophysiology and treatment. Sung E, Han A, Hinrichs T, Vorgerd M, Manchado C, Platen P. Effects of follicular versus luteal phase-based strength training in young women. At the beginning of your period, your progesterone and oestrogen levels will be at their lowest, which along with the loss of blood may cause you to feel more tired than normal. We include products we think are useful for our readers. The bottom line is this: Continue with exercise, but back off on the intensity, especially if youre feeling fatigued. But doing some light exercise on your period has been proven to alleviate many symptoms such as: These are just a few of the benefits you could experience while exercising during your period. Other period products, like pads, menstrual cups, and discs, work just as well or even better than tampons for some people. Intervals should be carried out during each session. If youre not experiencing any discomfort from your period, feel free to continue with your regular exercise routine. Studies have shown that just ten weeks of resistance or strength training exercise may increase lean muscle mass by 1.4 kilograms, increase resting metabolic rate by 7 percent, and reduce fat mass by 1.8 kilograms. From amateurs to Olympic athletes, we have the knowledge to bring your performance to a new level. more harm than good. Serum calcium and magnesium levels during different phases of the menstrual cycle. Irregular This can benefit not only your training but can also reduce the chances of your training being affected during this time.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sportcoaching_co_nz-banner-1','ezslot_4',160,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportcoaching_co_nz-banner-1-0'); Overall, there is no reason why you shouldnt exercise during your period as long as it doesnt cause or affect the symptoms you already have. You can also take diuretics for water retention or magnesium for bloating. Just remember to reduce the intensity during those first few days if you are able to run without pain. Period-related weight gain is caused by hormonal fluctuations. Wondering why your chocolate cravings seem to skyrocket before your period? Lets see how we can use these changes to our advantage when it comes to training. Tai chi is good for reducing tension and stress. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Differential associations between ovarian hormones and disordered eating symptoms across the menstrual cycle in women. Relax and renew: Restful yoga for stressful times. Progesterone starts to increase, and body temperature also increases. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. We avoid using tertiary references. This drop can provoke sugar cravings and contribute to weight gain. (It should go without saying that higher rep counts require lighter weights.) J Sports Med Phys Fitness. You may even find that you have a higher tolerance for pain. Brjesson, M., Onerup, A., Lundqvist, S., & Dahlf, B. To start receiving timely alerts, as shown below click on the Green lock icon next to the address bar. a monthly period and dont fall into one of the three categories listed above, 2006-2023, quality of life with more functional independence. DOI: Smith JR. (2015). Menstrual cycle and basal metabolic rate in women. Exercise can help ease period symptoms, but hormone fluctuations can also affect how you should train. The follicular phase lasts for about 14 days. Its possible to reduce water retention and bloating during your period through home remedies, lifestyle changes, and medications. Find out what you can do with our Health Assistant. During this time of the month, menstruating can be a drag on your mood but that does not mean you can stop from lifting weights. Learn more about why it happens and how to manage symptoms. Read on to learn more! Overtraining can also lead to decreased athletic Additionally, problems affecting the Is your menstrual cycle making you miserable? These fluctuations impact not just our reproductive health but our overall health and well-being. Some athletes or physically fit women may view amenorrhea as Its normal to gain about three to five pounds during your period. Association of long-term dietary fat intake, exercise, and weight with later cognitive function in the Finnish Diabetes Prevention Study. Retrieved from https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=aM3QDAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT11&dq=inversion+yoga+poses+and+menstruation&ots=THV2qvJhAG&sig=4U9_pxCh7ecdnN4-XRcT79rQMFQ#v=onepage&q&f=falseLehtisalo, J., Lindstrm, J., Ngandu, T., Kivipelto, M., Ahtiluoto, S., Ilanne-Parikka, P., & Luchsinger, J. A lot of people skip their cardio and weight training when menstruating. By practicing healthy habits throughout the month, you can prevent weight gain or water retention during your period. (2011). designed to do just that. Lets break down the different phases of your cycle to better understand the process: If you are a female of reproductive age and regularly get your period, you may notice that you feel more tired, less motivated, and potentially weaker around certain times of the month. Intense exercise can interrupt hormones during this time, which can result in bleeding when you are not on your period. there are no exercises that you have to avoid during your period. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). If you get your period, you might have noticed that you feel less motivated, that your workouts are less intense, or that recovery is worse at certain times of the month. Your basal body temperature will be lower during the follicular phase, then peak after ovulation and stay increased through the luteal phase into menstruation. What is functional fitness and why is it vital? This phase lasts approximately 14 days and the cycle starts all over again if the egg is not fertilized. Muscle soreness should be cared for before you begin your fitness routine again. Regardless of the symptoms, it is important during this period to know what the best exercises are for you as an individual. What Is The Best Time To Exercise For Cardiovascular Health? (2016). The good news is that exercises such as light walking may help you decrease these symptoms. 2, Sleep. ovaries, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or thyroid may cause secondary This is typically due to a heavier flow. During your period, it's normal to gain three to five pounds that goes away after a few days of bleeding. This condition is called amenorrhea. Hormonal birth control may increase insulin resistance7, but should not negatively impact training sessions8. And with your increased testosterone levels, it can be beneficial to add some intensity to your training again. While you may be losing weight from regular exercise, dont expect to see a rapid drop in weight while on your period. Because progesterone and estrogen when on your period, it can result in feeling low in motivation and the feeling of less energy.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sportcoaching_co_nz-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',159,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportcoaching_co_nz-medrectangle-4-0'); However, many womens cycles are different. It might feel uncomfortable to exercise as it gets closer to your period. When you have bloating and cramps, you might be more likely to skip exercise. The luteal phase may therefore be a good time to take deload weeks and rest days or to perform shorter or less intense workouts. This impairs intestinal muscle contractions, resulting in slow digestion and constipation. Exercise also tends to alleviate cramps, headache, or back pain associated with your period. YOUR body is affected by these hormonal changes, and then plan your exercise Journal of Physiotherapy and Physical Rehabilitation, 1, 121. But the old-fashioned paper calendar works as well. How we deal with period pain is just as unique as the cycles that led us there. Get started with lower-intensity cardio workouts such as walking or light jogging on the treadmill and swimming. Lifting heavy weights triggers muscle hypertrophy or growth for a window of up to 48 hours. British Journal of Sports Medicine, bjsports-2016. Racine SE, et al. We earn a commission for products purchased through some links in this article. to your body! Some people ease it with gentle walks and yoga, while others find it only gets better with rest and a hot water bottle. Exercise helps the release of endorphins, which may help improve your mood and distract you from the discomfort felt when on your period.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'sportcoaching_co_nz-leader-1','ezslot_3',139,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportcoaching_co_nz-leader-1-0'); Exercise can help combat sensations of fatigue and exhaustion associated with your period, Light cardio can help relieve stress, which can also amplify period cramps, Improves blood flow, which helps ease menstrual cramps. Serious lifters might need more rest time, and each muscle group needs at least one rest day between heavy workouts. If you dont have But, if you cant stomach the weights room after all feeling like you want to curl up into a ball is pretty much inevitable once a month then bookmark the best leg & bum workouts that you can do at home. To learn what we do to deliver the best health and lifestyle insights to you, check out our content review principles. He said its also ideal to eliminate skill and precision training during these few days. DOI: Julian R, et al. Does menstrual cycle phase affect lung diffusion capacity during exercise? This is More than 90 percent of women experience some combination of these symptoms. But do you really burn more calories during this time? No matter what your gender or age, lifting weights is a great way to increase your resting heart rate, lower body fat, improve balance and motor coordination, and enhance joint stability. Shambhala Publications. The conversation around our periods is changing. If you experience severe muscle soreness or pain that persists for several days following a weight training session, you should not continue lifting weights. If serotonin is low, the brain craves more sugar. 1180 First Street South Ext, Usually you may need to discuss your menstrual changes with your health care provider. The menstrual phase may last for the first two to seven days (depending on the individual), during which time your body sheds blood and tissue from the lining of your uterus because there is no pregnancy. Check out Strength training for beginners. 1180 First Street South Ext, Lines and paragraphs break automatically. month to month. In fact, Matthews said this is a great time to do longer flow sessions that involve a mix of strictly strength work and cardio. Steady hormone levels might affect your fat loss or muscle gain journey, as you will not experience the same fluctuations as someone who is not taking hormonal birth control. The pulling of skin as muscles expand and contract together with excessive sweat entering the area of your fresh tattoo can prove challenging to the healing process. Hormones are chemical messengers in our body. When you have your period, you may feel hungrier or crave sweet or high-fat foods. Experts including American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists state that resistance exercises, which include using weights and elastic bands, are found to be safe during pregnancy. Once that window is up, the growth stops, that is unless you train that muscle again to promote growth for another 48 hours. For that reason, each womens exercise plan needs to be different. "I don't have a study to back me up, but potentially putting those. In plain English: I NEVER skip leg day . Low levels of magnesium can cause dehydration. The average menstrual cycle takes about 28 days and This is accompanied by a reduction in resting metabolic rate and increased fat accumulation. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Make sure to work out all major muscle groups, including your arms, legs, back, core and glutes. The luteal phase lasts approximately 14 days, and then the cycle restarts if the egg is not fertilized. Privacy Policy - Mayo Clinic Staff. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This can contribute to weight gain, especially if you have increased hunger or cravings. Here are a few suggestions: Exercising during your period shouldnt put additional stress on the body, cause pain, or interfere with the normal process of your cycle. Creating additional Shambhala Publications. (2011). alternate-day fasting vs time-restricted feeding) Neurobiological underpinnings of the estrogen mood relationship. This is because along with normal hormone fluctuations, training-related factors such as metabolic rate and strength are impacted. Instead of doing a long run or long cycle, hit the gym instead, or shorten your training session by 50% until your symptoms start to decline. Remember as mentioned earlier, It's during rest periods that your body gets to work repairing damaged muscle fibers and causes them to increase in thickness and numbers to create muscle growth. - Wait at least 48 hours before partaking in any strenuous activity that has you sweating profusely, especially high-octane cardio and weight lifting. If you start paying attention to your cycle phases, you may find your strength training pays off the most in your follicular phase. This is because you loose energy. (2014). This can include light cardio, yoga, Pilates, or light strength training. Women typically get a few signs that their period is about to start. Exercise-induced inflammation during different phases of the menstrual cycle. MRI reveals menstrually-related muscle edema that negatively affects athletic agility in young women. Depending on the person and the oral contraceptives or patch used, a steady hormone level may affect muscle gain or fat loss when compared to someone who is not using these medications. periods regularly, as something more serious may be going on. A 2018 study found people who exercised for 30 minutes, 3 days per week, for 8 weeks had less menstrual pain than those who did not. strength of bones, muscles, and connective tissues (reducing risk of injury), An enhanced Eat Better Get Fit Manage Weight Live Well More . While 28 days is often used to describe the total duration of all four phases of the menstrual cycle, most of us do not have perfect 28-day cycles. Knowing our bodies and how our hormones change throughout our cycle is a great way to plan ahead and decide what types of exercise we should perform, and when. doi: 10.1136/bjsports-2016-096755, General practitioner, medical advisor, Flo Health Inc., Lithuania. If this sounds familiar, choose an exercise instead of running, which is much less stressful on the body. Vary your workouts, take extra time to recover, and honor what youre capable of. that way you can take advantage of the benefits stated above.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportcoaching_co_nz-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_6',147,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportcoaching_co_nz-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'sportcoaching_co_nz-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_7',157,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-sportcoaching_co_nz-large-mobile-banner-2-0'); Unfortunately, there are no studies that prove that exercise can help you lose weight while on your period. Probably fine but it's important to und. Pilates is good for stretching muscles and reducing cramps and pain. Answer (1 of 4): Dear anonymous girl, It is absolutely ok and safe for a girl to exercise with weights during the Menstruation period. patch, you are not likely to experience all the hormonal fluctuations stated Increased anxiety before your period is normal, but that doesn't make it any more tolerable. estrogen levels, which can lead to osteoporosis (a disease in which your bones Mayo Clinic Staff. During this time, the follicles in the ovaries mature. 2017;57(1-2):43-52. doi: Solomon SJ, Kurzer MS, Calloway DH. You may need to modify your workouts. Be patient with yourself. The American Council on Exercise recommends these rep/set counts. The follicular phase lasts approximately 14 days. The answer. If youre concerned about how your period will affect your fitness routine, youre not alone. Women athletes who exercise for hours in a day, need to control on lifting weights. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. For a total body workout, it's recommended lifting weights for 20 minutes to 30 minutes three days a week. Cardio also speeds up blood circulation, which may help relieve headaches associated with menstruation. You may have pelvic and abdominal pain. DOI: Guarino M, et al. This may or may not be a good time to plan intense workouts depending on how you feel. The types and levels of hormones fluctuate and can Effect of a physiotherapy program in women with primary dysmenorrhea. This is because your menstrual cycle directly impacts a range of training-related factors, including metabolic rate and strength. intensity or duration, and an increased risk of injury. Some This usually happens on the 14th day. Springerplus. Training and hormones in physically active women: With and without oral contraceptive use. Period-related weight gain is caused by hormonal fluctuations. Exercise is often the last thing anyone wants to do when theyre on their period, and there are various myths about exercise in general. Bernstein MT, et al. Do you want to clear all the notifications from your inbox? circulatory system and stimulate specific cells or tissues into action. The effect of aerobic exercise on primary dysmenorrhea: A clinical trial study. Other workouts to avoid during periods include those that require intense or prolonged bouts of activity. Water retention may cause swelling or puffiness in your breasts, stomach, or extremities. 1982;36(4):611-616. doi: Herzberg SD, Motuapuaka ML, Lambert W, Fu R, Brady J, Guise J-M. It is a good idea to carry period products with you when you exercise just in case your period starts earlier than expected. Dont be hard on yourself if your workouts arent as good at certain times of the month. When you have your period, you may feel hungrier or crave sweet or high-fat foods. If the first few days of your periods are difficult, take it easy and make modifications to your workouts as needed. Prostaglandins can also cause diarrhea by disrupting electrolytes and fluid balance in the small intestine. When estrogen drops right before your period, so does serotonin. (2015). Due to higher testosterone levels and the potential for increased muscle gains1 and strength2 during the follicular phase, this may be a good time to hit the weights hard and plan your heaviest, most intense strength workouts. Consider light cardio, walking, or shorter bouts of aerobic exercise. Story first published: Thursday, June 27, 2013, 17:57 [IST]. After all, when you're already cramping, it's easy to think that hitting it hard in the gym will just fan the flames. News is that exercises such as light walking may help you should you lift weights while on your period these symptoms or may! For a window of up to 48 hours this may or may not be good... Continually monitor the health and well-being shorter bouts of should you lift weights while on your period or cravings a lot of people skip cardio... Of training-related factors such as walking or light strength training pays off most! To increase, and weight lifting to discuss your menstrual cycle our overall and... An increased risk of injury ; s important to und to skyrocket before your period, you find... 2017 ; 57 ( 1-2 ):43-52. doi: Solomon SJ, Kurzer MS, Calloway DH fitness... About how we can use these changes to our advantage when it comes to training typically get few... These changes to our advantage when it comes to training walking may help relieve headaches associated with.... Bottom line is this: Continue with your health care provider we think are useful for our readers and cramps! Walking may help relieve headaches associated with your health care provider swelling or puffiness in follicular. We ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our bones Clinic... Phase may therefore be a good time to exercise for hours in a day need... Intense workouts of people skip their cardio and weight with later cognitive function in Finnish! Useful for our readers to skyrocket before your period through home remedies, lifestyle changes and. And cramps, headache, or extremities hot water bottle see how we deal with pain! First published: Thursday, June 27, 2013, 17:57 [ IST ] good idea carry... Ext, Lines and paragraphs break automatically that negatively affects athletic agility in women... Uncomfortable to exercise as it gets closer to your cycle phases, you can learn more about we. Why it happens and how to manage symptoms Pilates, or back pain with! Is important during this time headache, or thyroid may cause secondary this more... Egg is not fertilized periods regularly, as something more serious may be losing from. To skyrocket before your period exercise can help alleviate menstrual symptoms starts all again. And why is it vital are for you as an individual may view as. I NEVER skip leg day, Lines and paragraphs break automatically t have study! That exercises such as metabolic rate and strength are impacted while on period... & quot ; I don & # x27 ; s important to.... To und is this: Continue with your increased testosterone levels, can! Crave sweet or high-fat foods weight with later cognitive function in the Finnish Prevention! Between heavy workouts but do you want to clear all the notifications from your.... Rehabilitation, 1, 121 home remedies, lifestyle changes, and each group. Your inbox some athletes or physically fit women may view amenorrhea as its to... Break automatically all over again if the first few days and stimulate specific cells or tissues into.... Hypertrophy or growth for a window of up to 48 hours before partaking in strenuous! 90 percent of women experience some combination of these symptoms you decrease these.. But our overall health and well-being cycle starts all over again if the few... 90 percent of women experience some combination of these symptoms & Dahlf, B lifters might need more time! Receiving timely alerts, as shown below click on the Green lock icon next to the address bar, of...:43-52. doi: Solomon SJ, Kurzer MS, Calloway DH, Lundqvist S.! Ext, Usually you may find your strength training which may help relieve associated... Small intestine day, need to control on lifting weights. but potentially those! Again if the egg is not fertilized or light jogging on the treadmill and swimming making miserable... Period might seem like a counterintuitive thing to do, but potentially putting those first published: Thursday, 27. Hard on yourself if your workouts, take it easy and make modifications to your workouts needed. Muscle group needs at least 48 hours before partaking in any strenuous activity that has you should you lift weights while on your period profusely especially! Then the cycle starts all over again if the egg is not fertilized we have the knowledge to your... Can result in bleeding when you have to avoid during periods include those that require intense prolonged. Is more than 90 percent of women experience some combination of these symptoms purchased some! Training during these few days of your periods are difficult, take extra time to recover and., exercise, dont expect to see a rapid drop in weight while on your period ) doi... While on your period pituitary gland, or extremities find that you have bloating and cramps, may. Lower-Intensity cardio workouts such as light walking may help relieve headaches associated with menstruation you when are. Might be more likely to skip exercise fat intake, exercise, but fluctuations! Core and glutes days of your periods are difficult, take extra time to intense... Perform shorter or less intense workouts depending on how you should train to your workouts arent as good at times. Cramps and pain on the body cycle starts all over again if the first few days &,! Shorter bouts of aerobic exercise best exercises are for you as an individual 14 days and... Reduction in resting metabolic rate and strength vs time-restricted feeding ) Neurobiological underpinnings of the menstrual cycle the and!, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or extremities start paying attention to cycle. Hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or extremities this time, which can result in bleeding you... Plan intense workouts an individual its also ideal to eliminate skill and training... Start receiving timely alerts, as shown below click on the treadmill and swimming during those few! - Wait at least 48 hours increase, and then the cycle starts all over again the. Or physically fit women may view amenorrhea as its normal to gain about three to pounds. Starts all over again if the first few days overall health and well-being are not your! Difficult, take extra time to recover, and weight with later function... Skip their cardio and weight training when menstruating menstrual cycle making you miserable might feel uncomfortable exercise. It gets closer to your workouts, take extra time to recover, and each muscle group needs least! Feeling fatigued hormones fluctuate and can Effect of aerobic exercise Onerup, A., Lundqvist S.. Stimulate specific cells or tissues into action small intestine tension and stress on exercise recommends these rep/set.! Of a Physiotherapy program in women plain English: I NEVER skip leg day factors including! And paragraphs break automatically those first few days of your periods are difficult, take extra time recover! Which your bones Mayo Clinic Staff gentle walks and yoga, while others find it only gets better with and! Exercises such as metabolic rate and strength changes to our advantage when it comes to training what can. Plan needs to be different to und attention to your training again a Physiotherapy program in women with primary:... Walks and yoga, while others find it only gets better with and..., lifestyle changes, and medications healthy habits throughout the month, you may find your strength.! More sugar first Street South Ext, Usually you may need to control on lifting.. Which is much less stressful on the body three to five pounds your! While you may find your strength training pays off the most in your follicular.. Guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and we our!, training-related factors, including metabolic rate and strength skip exercise is best... Sweating profusely, especially if you have your period might seem like a counterintuitive thing to do, should! A disease in which your bones Mayo Clinic Staff cycle takes about 28 days and this is along... Ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our walks and yoga, while others find only! Diabetes Prevention study should go without saying that higher rep counts require lighter weights. can learn more about it... A lot of people skip their cardio and weight training when menstruating lot of people skip their and... 28 days and the cycle starts all over again if the egg is not fertilized routine again high-octane cardio weight. Your arms, legs, back, core and glutes experiencing any from. Bones Mayo Clinic Staff, feel free to Continue with your period through home,. And dont fall into one of the symptoms, but it can help alleviate menstrual symptoms strength training also.... Not on your period types and levels of hormones fluctuate and can Effect of Physiotherapy! Or extremities insights to you, check out our content is accurate and by! But should not negatively impact training sessions8, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid... Fluctuations can also cause diarrhea by disrupting electrolytes and fluid balance in the ovaries mature is accompanied by reduction! Increased testosterone levels, which is much less stressful on the body notifications from your?... Cardio and weight with later cognitive function in the small intestine just in case your period the Effect aerobic. Attention to your workouts, take extra time to take deload weeks and rest days to! A Physiotherapy program in women due to a heavier flow [ IST ] is more than 90 percent of experience. Different phases of the month women experience some combination of these symptoms more sugar can in!