When most women get their period, they tend to take things easy during that time. Typically, we give into our unhealthy cravings, try to survive the cramping and bloating, and even skip our workouts.

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When it comes to that last offence, it might seem easy to just avoid the gym until your period eventually goes away —  but as it turns out, there are ways to keep working out despite having your period. Here are five ways for how to survive a workout during your menstrual cycle.

 

Pick the Right Exercises To Do 

If you’re right into working out, you may be tempted into just continuing the hardcore workout routines that you’re used to.  Exercises such as light cardio, low-volume strength training, pilates, and yoga are perfect during your period because you’ll still break a sweat without working out too hard. However, the best thing you can do for yourself, experts say, is to do the workouts that you want to do based on how you’re feeling. That will make the experience more enjoyable.

Stay Hydrated

Granted, staying hydrated is something that you should do whether or not you have your period, but hydrating while menstruating is even more important — as it’s one of the best ways to banish bloating. Plus, being dehydrated can make any cramping that you may be experiencing a lot worse. So, load up on as much water as you can get your hands on!

 

Workout In The Morning 

If you already do morning workouts, then this will be easy. If you’re more into evening workouts however, then you should consider joining the early birds for a change. Experts say that because of hormone changes that a woman experiences while on her period, you’ll most likely feel so tired by the end of the day that you’ll ultimately decide against working out. 

 

Use The Best Protection 

Leaking during a period is a common fear amongst women. It’s an embarrassing situation that no woman wants to find herself in, especially at the gym. Wearing dark workout clothes is the most obvious step to take in this situation – Avoid white! Another thing that you can do is wear a towel that’s incredibly absorbent and best suits your body. Also, the winning combination of a pad and a tampon is your best bet to prevent leakage from occurring. 

 

Pay Attention To Your Cycle 

Working out during your cycle plays a bigger part then you may have thought. If you’re able to track it carefully, then you can pick the best work out for yourself based on your cycle. During the beginning of your cycle (days one through five), short intense workouts (think HIIT classes) are your best bet. Between days five and 14, strength training is your best friend. On days 15 to 28, choose steady cardio and yoga. Of course, don’t be afraid to change things up if you feel like your body can handle it.

 

Working out during your period may be the absolute last thing you want to do— and if your cycle is particularly brutal, then don’t stress if you’re unable to do it. But for those who can work out while on their period, you just need to try and make the experience easy and enjoyable. That way, working out will feel less like a chore, and more like a fun part of your routine.