Best Exercises During Your Period

Full body exercises which engage the low back, abs and thighs are the best for during your period. There are hundreds of exercises to choose from, so we've listed the top 7 for you to work on.

Before you get started with any moderately intense exercise, be sure to warm up with a little simple cardio. A few minutes of jogging, skipping or jumping jacks will do the trick.

Squats

These are the ultimate exercise! They target the core, butt, and thighs. Be sure that when you squat you dip as low as possible to engage as many muscles as possible. Keep your eyes and chin up as you dip, and lower your body as if going to sit in a low chair. Perform at least 3 sets of 10 repetitions and you'll be well on your way!

The Plank

This is the ultimate core exercise! Lay on your stomach and then lift your whole body off the floor, supported by your elbows and toes. Keep your body in a straight line, like a plank! If it hurts your back, lift your hips higher. Be sure not to let your hips dip too low at any point. Perform 2 or 3 sets of as many seconds as you can go for. Between 30 and 60 seconds is ideal.

Jumping jacks

An easy cardio exercise for you to do anywhere, jumping jacks are a classic. Do a few sets of 1 to 3 minutes of jumping jacks and you'll feel very out of breath, but possibly better than before!

Lunges

These are another great one for the butt and thighs. When lunging, be sure that you step forward and dip downward (not forward). A good way to see if you are moving too far forward is to look at where your front knee is. Be sure it is not over your toes, but over your heel. Perform 2 to 3 sets of 8 lunges on each side.

Plank 2 Push up

A killer core and arm workout, this is called a few different names. Starting in the plank position described above, lifting your weight up to your hands (push up position). Start with the right arm and alternate to the left. Perform just 2 sets of 10 and you'll really feel it in your upper body!

Rear DeadLift

Taking either a bar weight or a dumbbell in your hands, stand with both legs very slightly bent at the knees. Reach for your toes, keeping your knees in the same position and bending at the waist (hips). Only go as far as your flexibility will allow. You should feel it at the back of your this and in your low back. Perform 2 sets of 10 repetitions.

Over head Sit ups

This final exercise is a simple functional abdominal exercise. Lying on your back (knees bent) with both arms stretched overhead, reach for the ceiling as you perform a full sit up. Swing the arms if you get stuck along the way. Perform 2 or 3 sets of 10 repetitions of these to work the core and get rid of your cramps!

These are our top recommended exercises you can do during your period. Fell better and look great, without skipping a beat!

Exercises you will want to stay away from are mainly those that can lead to social embarrassment or unhygienic conditions; you would not be the first woman to feel uncomfortable with swimming or gymnastics during your period. Your choice of menstrual hygiene product does have an impact here, however. Women who opt for tampons or environmentally-friendly reusable menstrual cups have more freedom to work out without leaks.

If this worries you, however, you can do all these exercises in the comfort of your own home and not go to the gym!