05/10/2022
What is menstruation and how does it affect working out on your period?
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Menstruation is a woman’s monthly bleed in which the body sheds the monthly build-up of the lining of the uterus.Â
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This time in a woman’s cycle can make women feel:
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Tired
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â FatiguedÂ
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Low in energyÂ
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â A decrease in strengthÂ
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â BloatedÂ
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â PMS (premenstrual syndrome)
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â CrampingÂ
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Due to the symptoms caused by a woman’s period, this can have a huge effect on training during this week of your cycle.Â
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Weights may feel heavier than usual, your body may feel lore tired and like it doesn’t have the same energy. It can also make you feel as though you’re going backwards with progress as you’re not feeling how you usually do and may need to decrease the weights you’re using.Â
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All of this is totally NORMAL!
Yes, its bloody annoying but, during this week, it’s the perfect time to work on correcting your form, decreasing the weights you usually use and having a de-load week, using training for your mental health and reducing any PMS you may be feeling, and it’s proven that training can reduce period cramping by increasing blood flow and relieving stress that can cause stronger cramps.
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Knowing your body and tracking your cycle can be a huge help with your training as you can plan around your cycle as to when you’re going to feel stronger and weaker and use this to your full advantage.
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Some apps I have used, and love are:
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â ClueÂ
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Natural cyclesÂ
-Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Flo
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Get tracking and see if you notice the difference in your body!