You can work out every day. Period.

Is it that time of the month when all you really want to do is lay down and have a heating pad on your lower abdomen to ease out the menstrual cramps?  And clearly so, exercising is the last thing you would want to do. But what if we tell you that workouts can help you get rid of the dreaded period pain!

If you can gather the courage to get out of bed and get moving, workouts can greatly benefit you. It can help you release menstrual cramps, combat mood swings and help with PMS pain.

3 benefits to work out during period

• Boost your mood and energy

You know the dreaded PMS mood swings? And when you get your period, how tired and sluggish you may feel? Well, workout during period can help you alleviate mood swings. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body thereby boosting your mood.

• Ease menstrual cramps

Do you experience throbbing or cramping pain in the lower abdomen during periods? Many women have menstrual cramps just before and during their periods. For some women, the discomfort is merely annoying. For others, menstrual cramps can be severe enough to interfere with everyday activities for a few days every month. The good news is that exercises such as light walking may help you decrease these symptoms.

• Regulate your monthly cycle

If you have irregular periods or your period is overdue, workout can help your monthly cycle get back on track. According to one such study, regular aerobic exercise may help your menstrual cycle. It is an effective way to maintain healthy weight too. Obesity is one of the common risk factors for premenstrual syndrome, which may result in irregular periods or missed periods. Workout takes care of your monthly cycles.

However, when it comes to workouts and periods, balance is important. You cannot overdo otherwise it may cause disturbance in your hormonal levels.

You can even do exercises like stretching and yoga in the comforts of your home. This will get your blood flowing throughout the body and potentially reduce premenstrual syndrome symptoms like breast tenderness, fatigue, and moodiness. Else, you can take small steps in the park while listening to your favorite music or take your pet out for a small walk.

Conclusion: There’s no scientific reason you should skip your workouts during period. In fact, it alleviates your pain, regulates your monthly cycles, and keeps you calm and relaxed during this stressful phase. Just be mindful of the adjustments your body makes during this time. If you find that your body isn’t performing like it usually does, give yourself a break and ease up on the intensity.