A short YouTube video (speaker Sam) addressing whether women should exercise during their menstrual period. Sam argues there is no scientific reason to skip workouts, explains that exercise increases endorphins which can reduce pain, anxiety and depression, and offers practical guidance (gentle options, listening to the body, maintaining habit) while advising medical consultation for severe symptoms.
Chapters
Today I want to talk to you about probably the most womanly topic of all. But guys, you should stick around because it pretty much affects every woman in your life. And especially when you are a male trainer, you should be prepared to answer these questions from your female clients. So the question that I do get asked a lot as a woman in fitness is can and should I work out during my period and what are the pros and cons to it? While I do get that for a lot of women, training during their period might probably be the last thing on their mind. Because you're dealing with cramps, you're dealing with the headaches, your blocks, bloated, just overall there's a general discomfort, right? So it might seem like a better idea to stay on the couch and munch on some chocolate. Only that will not make you feel better. But you know what makes you feel better? Exercise. Really? For me, it's the one thing that always helps me, and I hear that from so many other women as well. Scientifically, there's absolutely no reason why you should skip your workout during your period, or why you should restrict certain exercises, or why you cannot work out to your fullest capacity. There's actually evidence that says that it can be very helpful. So working out on your period has proven to actually alleviate a lot of symptoms that come along with your cycle. But of course, everyone's period is different. And if you do experience severe symptoms, consult with your physician. If your symptoms are mild, then I would really encourage you to go for it. I've had times when I felt like staying at home on the couch was a much better idea during my period, but then I would just feel sluggish and miserable all day. So now I usually don't skip my workout anymore and it's really worth it. I always feel better afterwards. And that is because working out helps to increase the production of endorphins, which is the so called feel good hormone. Hence it reduces pain, it reduces anxiety, depression, and it just helps you to get in an overall much better mood. And no one is saying you have to train super intense and you don't have to break any personal records, you don't have to out compete the person next to you in the gym. You can actually do a very mild or very gentle workout such as yoga, walking or swimming. But having said that, also keep in mind the higher intensity your training is, the more endorphins you will release. But also you will have to learn to listen to your body. So yes, it's good to kick yourself in the butt sometimes. Because sometimes the mind is the actual problem. It'll tell you, nope, no workout today. Let's just sit it out on the couch. And that's the point when you have to bring up the extra willpower and just remember how good you will feel afterwards. And after all, this is a transformational program. See it as an opportunity. Actually, your old self would have maybe taken your period as an excuse not to make it to the gym. But your new self has a habit and it has a routine to follow, so you will do it. So once again, there's absolutely nothing wrong or harmful with working out while you're on your period. In fact, it can be very beneficial, like I've mentioned earlier. But if you do feel exhausted and if your body is really tired, I would ask you please just go through the exercises anyway for today, you don't have to go full out or go to failure, but just do it for building the habit and for building it up in your mind. So I really hope you found that video helpful and I'll see you soon. Sam.
