: Workout during Menstruation Few days back, my friend (female) skipped workout for the reason being menstruation. I (male) didn't have much opinion about her working out during that period. Now my question is, can a female

Vote Up Vote Down   0 Reactions

Login to give Reaction!

There is no reason why your friend couldn't work out during her time of the month - indeed if the advertising industry is to be believed this is the ideal time for her to go horse-riding or trampolining, preferably in a pristine white jumpsuit.

However even though she CAN train, she may not feel comfortable training due to cramps, pain, bloating, fatigue and/or general discomfort.

I personally have found that the fitter I get the less my cycle affects me, and I will happily train through the whole month with no problem at all.

Vote Up Vote Down   0 Reactions

Login to give Reaction!

While I don't want to make my answer anything pertaining medical, I just want to mention that I have Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS). It is a disorder which makes our hormonal system very sensitive to lifestyle choices like diet, exercises, etc.

Personally, I can workout during periods with no issues at all. I also hear the same from many fellow cysters. Some women (also normal women) find exercising during menstruation helps relieve cramps while some find exercising increases pain, cramps, bleeding,fatigue etc.

Just as Berin mentioned above, if a woman isn't feeling at her best while on periods, she can decide best how much exercise is too much for her.

So in my understanding, it is a very individual thing and not related to fitness level for most part.

I hope you find the info you are looking for...

Vote Up Vote Down   0 Reactions

Login to give Reaction!

There are several things that affect a woman during this time, but as pertains to working out or training you can expect:

Greater fatigue
Greater discomfort even at rest
Fear of bleeding through clothes

These are all very real problems, and it affects women to differing degrees. Some that I've trained with are very affected and others are seemingly slightly affected.

For someone who is affected, there are some things they can do:

Take complete rest (as your friend did)
Take a deload and work at half the intensity and volume they normally do
Don't do anything that requires bracing the core, perhaps running or using the elliptical might work.
Don't make any changes but don't be surprised if they can't do what they normally can do.

The choice really is up to the person exercising. Sometimes the person can feel better after exercise, and sometimes worse. Be understanding, and if they tell you it's enough, respect that.