Adjusting Your Exercise & Workout Routine To Go with YOUR Flow
Adjusting to THAT time of the month…
Feeling limited by having my period is something I’ve always fought. When I was a teenager I’d conceal my pads and tampons to the best of my ability. During the summer I’d avoid the beach in fear that I’d have a string incident or be mistaken for a whale. As an adult I feel that same avoidance. Being annoyed that I’m tired for about three days before and three days after my period. Frustrated that I get bloated and short tempered at the exact same time every month.
It finally struck me the other day. I was running, pushing myself, fighting through my discomfort, convincing myself that it’ll be better if I can sweat out the bloat, stretch out the cramps. What for? I’m the reason evolution exists! My body is meant to continue generations, and when it doesn’t pop out a baby, it bleeds a little. And it hurts to bleed. That’s not something to avoid, it’s something to comfort.
I find it very difficult to allow myself this time of tenderness. But that’s all my body really wants. I’m tough. I’ve proven that time and time again. So maybe this is the time when I can let myself be a little vulnerable. Some people theorize that this time of the month is a woman’s most creative because she is most in touch with her most natural state of being.
My interpretation is that I’m fuckin’ tired and I want to curl up for a few hours. AND that is okay! My period doesn’t just happen. I know when it’s coming, my boyfriend knows when it’s coming. We’re all very aware of when our bodies will be a little out of whack for a few days. Instead of approaching this time with lighter footsteps around me, the anticipation of longer shirts and chocolate binges, maybe I’ll start to just let it be my time to chill.
So here’s my plan: for three days before, during and three days after my period, I’m going to take it easy on myself. If I wake up and feel okay, game on. I’ll attack my workout with the normal levels of vigor. If I wake up feeling exhausted and needing to rest and comfort my body, then I’ll do a yoga class, or spend more time on light cardio. Not only does it give me less reason to binge on sweets, but it also forces me to work harder for the other three weeks of the month, knowing that I’ve got these days where I may not be able to push it as hard while listening to my body.
I invite you ladies to join me in this new approach. Some people have no problem periods, so that’s nice. But if you’re like me, and this is a time when you need to give yourself a little more love, then try this. I’m not saying it’s an excuse to mail-in your workouts. Remember to be honest with yourself, and if you can exercise, then do it. But if not, then listen to your body. It’ll be thankful and give you the energy you need for the rest of the month. I guarantee it!
