Sorry, boys, it’s about to get real personal up in here. You’ve been warned.
For as much as girls gab about everything, we’re skittish when it comes to chatting about periods. Come on, ladies, this is something we have in common.
Why are we not talking about this more?
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I’m fortunate that my period ain’t so bad these days (thank you, birth control). Even so, I still deal with cramps and feeling plain icky. As much as I want to sit on the couch and whine about how bloated I feel, instead I’ve found that working out helps. Hear me out.
Your Period + Working Out
► Working out gives you endorphins
Okay I’m sure every single female has seen Legally Blonde enough times to know this. But it’s true! Instead of being a rage-y hormonal mess during your period, put that energy to good use. Spin your little heart out at Soul Cycle. Or better yet it’s a great time to get your zen on at yoga.
Side note on yoga + periods: Some traditions believe you shouldn’t go upside when you have your period. The thought process is dated and stems from the belief that going upside down will reverse your flow in essence. I’d still advise against going upside down just to play it safe.
► Working out helps with cramps
(and headaches and bloating and fatigue)
I’ve always found working out to be the cure for all my period related ailments. For starters, it distracts me from the pain my ovaries are causing me.
Working out also promotes better blood circulation which can alleviate menstrual cramps.
► Working out helps regulate periods, period.
According to exercise physiologist Stacy Sims, PhD, “The more active you are and more regular you are with your activity, the better your periods end up being—less cramping, less heavy flow.”
▼▲▼
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Leave a blog post comment telling me how you’re not letting a period get in the way. Contest ends May 14th.
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This post was sponsored by U by Kotex®. As always, all opinions are my own. Thank you for supporting Kayla in the City.
jordan @ dancing for donuts says
honestly i kind of feel like i eat healthier during my period?! idk, i’m always craving chocolate and sweets in general, but around my period my stomach feels off so i almost tend to crave salads and healthy things more- so strange! i also try to stick to my usual workout routine too, even if that means just going a little less hard or adding in yoga instead of intense cardio!
Caitlyn says
I always love working out, and working out while I’m really angry and emotional (aka while on my period). I’m just always so scared that I’m going to bleed through and some stupid boy is going to laugh at me and no one will tell me. I love that your talking about this on your blog! It’s a great topic that needs to be talked about!
Kayla says
I’m SO with you on the emotional / angry workouts bit!
manda says
I try and stay active that helps me keep ahead.
Calli W says
Yes! I definitely don’t let periods get in the way of my yoga routine! Though I might choose a lower energy / restorative practice on certain days.
Pudyqat says
I just try to stick to my regular routine. I have no problems, really, so it’s pretty easy for me to do.
Alexandra says
I’m not letting my period get in the way by staying active and wearing comfortable clothing.
Kelly Jo Francisco says
I don’t let my period get in the way by taking midol lol
jennylyn Gross says
I always make sure I exercise every day. When I have my period I still work out
Jill Jackson says
I exercise more during my period because it seems to help alleviate cramps and thigh pain
Lisa Bourlier says
I try to eat healthy and try not to fall into snaking during the “monthly visit” I’m anemic so my energy level falls a lot during but I try not to let it stop me!
heather marocco says
staying active really helps
Diane Wolf says
I still go and work out, maybe not as much, but I keep going!
Tasha says
I definitely dont let my period get in the way! And you’re right about working out makes it better. I also received 10 sessions on bio feedback for my anxiety and since I did that, my period has Been so much better! Thanks for such a wonderful blog post 🙂
Kathy D says
I really need to get healther and work out more…. thinking of buying a camper so start hiking more
Danielle Lindquist says
I won’t stop doing EVERYDAY activities, I take an advil, drink extra water and move on with my day
Dawn C says
I do my best to stay motivated…its not always easy!
Mandi Smith says
I am not letting my period get in the way, by exercising, and taking me time to sit back and relax when needed.
Sarah K Masters says
I’m afraid my period does get in the way… I’m premenopausal and my period is completely unpredictable and can be so heavy I can’t leave the house. But it can also be very light, so then I have no problems being active.
Tami Faurote says
Working out especially, during that time of the month where I just don’t feel like it, helps me curb those cravings and that endless appetite feeling!
melissa craig says
I run everyday no matter if it is raining snowing or I am on your period
amanda whitley says
i’m not letting a period stop me from playing tennis.
Stephanie Grant says
I don’t let it stop me from hitting the gym in comfy clothes and great protection.
Michelle Catallo says
I can’t let a period get in the way of my life ~ being a single mother with three kids, two dogs, a cat, two jobs plus, kids’ extracurricular activities after school aaaaand we go on hikes almost every weekend. Yeah, no stop sign in my life LOL
Beth Minton says
Working out while on your period helps to remove stress. I love it!
Anita Jude says
by doing exercise and staying busy helps with it
KElsey says
Im not letting my period getting in the way by taking medicine a couple days in advance. I also use my heated blanket so it soothes me! Thanks for the chance.
Melissa says
By saying no to junk food cravings
jennifer clause packwood says
My routine stays the same, can’t let my period slow me down
Kim Myers says
I crank up the music and clean. It really helps mood and my hubby loves when the house is clean lol
Cassandra Berholtz says
I have less cramps the more I move around so my house is really clean at least once a month!
Naomie says
I keep going with my life as normal
Kim Naumann says
I’ve just started working out and my period is not going to keep me from continuing. These sound like they would do the trick perfectly!
Gloria Luongo says
With the angry work out. I work out better.
sandra adams says
Staying active and lots of fluids helps a lot.
Kelli Bryson says
Staying active actually helps me feel better during that time.
Tamara R says
I am a super busy Mommy of 4 and I don’t have time to stop for my period. I stay super hydrated during my period and I think that helps. Plus, I’m not just lying around. I am very active.
Casey Mclendon says
I love this! 🙂 Honestly like the other ladies are saying. If I lay around and give into cravings I feel like crude. But if I drink water and stay eating cleaner with maybe a few splurges and get some walking in. I feel much better for it!
Bea Alexandra says
I have to keep going. It will not stop me from yoga!
Brooke Rose says
I do my best to not let it get to me… usually just the first day has to be relaxing
Christina M Landino says
I think I function better when I’m on my period. But before and after I’m a mess. Craving sweet foods then craving savory foods alternately — constantly! I do tend to have more workout energy and love to walk more during this time.
Mary Cloud says
I take a lot of Ibuprofen – it’s the only way I can stay active during my period.
Patty H says
I work out, go to the beach and do all of the things I normally would.
Donna Kozar says
Just keep working.
jane jakins says
stay active, keep moving
Caren Nichols says
This would be an awesome win. Help to keep me healthy and focused on being healthy
Amy Deeter says
Keep pushing through it and doing what i need to do throughout the day by getting stuff done
angie depue says
I work out more during my period. It helps so much!! I eat healthier and try to relax and stay calm!
Amy Malone says
I’m always worried I’m showing through so I’m always tugging at shirt to pull down, going to the bathroom 1000 times. I just keep pushing through although there have been times where I didn’t finish.
rebecca o. says
I go walking daily, period or no period. Staying fit has become an important part of my day.
Wendy Pesce says
I stay active, no mater what
kelly woods says
I never let my menstrual interfere. I always try my best to workout to be healthy. .
Kayla Klontz says
I don’t let my period get in the way by making sure i’m fully stocked on supplies, that I have my medication for cramping, and by staying healthy. I don’t let them get in the way of my normal daily life.
Tracy Shafer says
Even when I feel my worst, I always try to get a walk in after dinner.
Elicia Polacek says
I do not let me period get in the way. I force my way through a lot despite it!.
Pamela Sloss says
I stay active and enjoy life.
Amy Conyers says
Perfect example! Today is Mothers Day. I just started my period today and have been cramping all day, but did not let it stop me! We enjoyed the beautiful day today and celebrated!
Kelly Wach says
OMG nothing worse then the feeling of cramping during your period.. I find if I avoid caffeine and work out harder I can avoid those cramps..
Emily Smith says
I make sure to stay active when I’m on my period.