The basic guide to working out on your period

We all know when it's that time of the month again. You get more emotional, you feel less comfortable in whatever you're wearing and working out sucks. Yes, we're talking about being on your period, crossing the red sea, not being pregnant or whatever you want to call it. But did you know that working out while you're on your period is actually a good thing? Although, you should try to avoid some yoga moves...

Working out while being on your period can help you enormously. When you're working out you're battling and fighting against your constant headache, pain, cramps and fatigueness which is a good thing. Also, by working out you release endorphins that will make you feel better afterwards. So when you don't feel like exercising when you're having that time of the month again, just go for it! It can really help you to relax. So try to go out for a run or a walk or go swimming or dancing.

However, what can you do to prepare yourself for the gym?

- Wear the right protection: When you work out, sanitary pads aren't the best solution. Try to use tampons or a mooncup.

- Wear safe clothes: Usually when I work out when I'm on my period, I wear black clothes. In case I will have a little 'accident', hardly anyone will see it.

- Listen to your body: If you have a really nasty period and cramps, don't try to overdo it. Listen to your body and sometimes it's just better to stay at home and rest.

- Drink a lot of water. You're loosing a lot of blood so it is important to stay hydrated and to eat well before you start working out. (usually 1 - 2 hours beforehand otherwise you can get other stomach cramps and you already have enough of that ;)).

Yoga

Moreover, do not try out some yoga moves. Yoga can sometimes be the devil when it comes to working out on your period. You should try to avoid inverted poses. Inverted poses stretch your uterus and this is not what you want at this particular moment in time. Your uterus is already working really hard and these moves can overstretch the uterus which can cause excessive menstrual flow.

So ladies, go work out and do your exercises!