There’s no other way to say this other than to get a bit personal, which lets be honest, anyone reading this post is wanting to know the truth about wether or not it really works for a very personal reason anyway, so here goes.
My daughter is 2 and a half, and after her birth I had a coil fitted, which has seen the last 2 years worth of menstruation as utterly awful! Unbearable abdominal pains like birth contractions for a week leading up to the time of month and then during until the very last day..periods that lasted about5-7 days and we’re super heavy from start to finish and the amount of tampons and heavy duty pads I was using up until late last year was insane! I say late last year because that’s when I really Kick started my excercise routine. It was September 2011 that I increased my efforts to 5 times a week cardio and strenght training on top of my usual yoga / pilates workout as I was really struggling to lose my baby overhang so, since that date have I noticed a difference? HUGELY!
My periods now only last 3-4 days and I don’t even notice I’m having them and because I’m working out I’m releasing endorphines that reduce the levels of stress and ‘PMT’ that comes with having yukky cycles. I no longer need to wake up through the night to change pads or bedsheets (Yes, it was bad!) and I haven’t had a single abdominal cramp anywhere near as severe as they used to be. (I would often be on the floor holding my breath until it passed..they were awful)
Many people have said that after having a coil implant your periods will either stop or unfortunately increase, the later being the case for me, but it really has been proven that my fitness routine really has got it under control now and I cannot tell you how happy I am! Well, I can, cos I just did! That’s how incredible it is, that I’ve woken up this morning to tell you all about this! Those of you that suffer badly will know why I’m making a big thing about it..There’s nothing worse that a week a month of shocking pain, bloat and bleeding! Ok, so here are the proven scientific facts: (Please note, below is based on Scientific facts. Just because this has been the case for me, doesn’t nescesarrily mean it is the standard case for everyone. Remember, our bodies are all different!)
ANY OF YOU SUFFERERS, BUMP UP YOUR FITNESS PROGRAM AND SEE RESULTS!
The Average Menstrual Cycle
Everyone experiences her period differently, but there are some averages by which to measure yours. According to WomensHealth.gov, the average menstrual phase lasts between three and five days. Following this phase, you enter the follicular phase. Menstruation will ease during this time as your uterine lining thickens and your ovarian follicles ripen. While you may experience some light menstrual flow at this time, it should abate quickly. Menorrhagia, which is a condition of abnormally heavy bleeding with many possible causes, may extend the length of your period.
How Exercise Affects Your Period
Exercise can have a significant impact on your menstrual cycle. By keeping fit and maintaining a regular exercise routine, you may shorten and lighten your menstrual flow. Exercise also decreases the excess water in your body, which reduces bloating during your period. Regular workouts also improve your circulation and increase blood flow, and proper stretching loosens the muscles in your lower abdomen, back and thighs. The release of endorphins also eases the pain you may feel from cramps.
Exercising During Your Period
There is some debate over whether to avoid certain exercises during your menstrual cycle, and clinical evidence is sparse on both sides. Yoga instructor John Friend writes that practicing inversions while menstruating can have long-term negative effects on the body’s pranic flow. According to testimonials that he gathered from female yoga practitioners, just a few minutes of inverting can weaken or stop menstruation for several months. According to Friend, longer inversions result in longer-lasting effects. Other women, however, report no adverse affects of practicing yoga or remaining inverted during their periods.
Sometimes when you’re on your period, all you really feel like doing is lying on the couch with a blanket and a good movie. But what your body needs may be the exact opposite. Women who exercise regularly during their periods may be less troubled by cramps and PMS. If you have mild cramps or moodiness, working up a sweat can improve your state of body and mind.So what exercise should you do? Anything you like and feel comfortable doing. Mild cramps respond well to exercise; just don’t push yourself if you’re nauseated or having severe cramps.Swimming is great exercise during your period because the water lifts you up and takes the pressure off your back. A brisk walk on a nice day is also uplifting. Or stretch and relax your entire body with yoga. Since you’re focused on slowness of motion, precision and deep breathing, you’re forced to take your mind off your cramps.
To get you started, here are a few simple yoga poses.
Restorative Pose
Sit on the floor, on carpet or a folded blanket. Put the soles of your feet together against each other and bring your heels as close to your pelvis as you can. Keep your knees level. Then lie back, close your eyes and put your arms out from your sides on the floor at a 45-degree angle with your palms facing up. Relax completely. This pose diffuses the tension in your abdomen and eases cramps.
Knees-to-Chest Pose
Lying on your back, hold your shins and pull your knees to your chest. Hug your shins tightly if it feels good. Hold them there and breathe deeply as long as it takes to ease cramps.
The Cat Pose
Get down on your hands and knees. Your back is flat, and your legs are slightly apart, with your toes on the floor and heels up. Inhale and let your spine drop as you lift your head and face upward. Then exhale while rounding your spine up toward the ceiling and your pelvis toward your belly button, bringing your chin to your chest. Repeat this movement 10 times.
Fortis Health 