Women struggle to stay fit on their period
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Some recent research by period care distributor Yoppie has found that periods put a stop to the fitness regime of most women.
With a focus on fitness at the forefront of many people's mindsthe research shows that mother nature isn’t making it easy.
Many people are already aware that exercise has a positive effect on our body and mental wellbeing but what are the benefits of working out during your menstrual cycle?
Contrary to what many women may think, research has shown that exercising whilst on your period can actually ease the majority, if not all, of the nasty symptoms; including cramps, fatigue, bloating and even depression.
Despite this, the research shows that periods prevent 71 percent of women from fully following their fitness regime, with 39 percent reducing the amount of exercise they would normally do and 32 percent unable to work out at all.
It isn’t just fatigue that impacts the ability to work out during the menstrual cycle, with the dreaded period pains and cramps also having an impact.
Over half the women surveyed said period pains and cramps reduced their ability to keep fit.
32 percent are only able to exercise sometimes and 25 percent stated they’re unable to work out at all during their period.
The physical changes that women experience such as fatigue and cramps aren’t the only factors that cause them to stray from a healthy lifestyle.
It is no secret that women tend to crave all things junk during their cycle and 57 percent have confirmed this is the case.
42 percent confessed to eating more junk food, one percent drank more alcohol and 14 percent indulged in more of both.
With this increased calorie intake, it’s no wonder women struggle to keep to their fitness goals and it can be a double-edged sword, with alcohol and junk food making us feel sluggish at the best of times, let alone when menstruating.
Period care products should only ever help you to boss our menstrual cycle but all too often, the wrong size, style or material of period care can actually be detrimental.
Products filled with toxins and plastics can cause us to feel worse while the wrong style or size of the product can be uncomfortable.
While it seems like a no brainer many women opt for convenience and cost rather than the right product tailored to their own unique body, resulting in the use of a below-par period product.
So it comes as no surprise that even the choice of period care products can hinder fitness plan of action and Yoppie's research found that 15 percent of women were concerned about the durability of their period care when working out, eight percent worried about its visibility and 13 percent simply feeling the products were uncomfortable.
It is clear that for many women exercising or sticking to their normal fitness routine when on their period can prove difficult, but for those who do manage to keep at it, what’s their secret to staying focused?
38 percent simply said it is all about positive thinking, with others finding a goal or a reward is the best way to stay motivated.
12 percent of women receive a helping hand from supplements in order to keep energy levels high and cramps and pains at bay, with 20 percent simply forcing themselves to exercise no matter what.
So what’s the best advice for those keen to keep fit even during menstruation?
Listen to your body!
It can be so beneficial to stay active even whilst on your period so ease in, try some stretching, yoga, jogging or even light weights.
Reducing the intensity of your workouts will make them a lot more bearable and less scary.
If your body is screaming out for a glass of wine, a big bowl of ice cream and a duvet day then allow yourself a treat, but balance it out with exercise as well.
Founder of Yoppie, Daniella Peri, said: “Depending on the severity of your symptoms, working out and eating healthily can be the last thing on your mind during your menstrual cycle.
"It’s hard enough as it is when you’re not on your period and can take some serious will power, so don’t be too hard on yourself if you struggle, you’re not alone!
"The vast majority of us will take our foot off the fitness pedal during our periods in one form or another and there’s no real remedy as our cycles are so incredibly unique from one woman to the next.
"However, you can give yourself a helping hand by remaining positive, setting yourself realistic goals to maintain some degree of exercise and nutrition and rewarding yourself with a treat when you achieve them.."
