Pilates and Period: How to Get Relief and Feel Better During Your Period with Pilates

If you dread the time of the month, you are not alone. For many women, menstruation can be a burden, and for some, period pain can put a damper on their daily lifestyles. The good news is, adding some low-impact Pilates workouts to your everyday routine can help ease the discomfort and pain. In this article, let’s look at how we can say goodbye to period blues and say hello to that blissful feeling after a good Pilates workout when Aunt Flo arrives! 

How Pilates Benefits You During the Time of the Month

It’s not just an old wives’ tale that Pilates can be a good period remedy, as there’s science to back it up. Research has shown that Pilates can profoundly impact our health and well-being during our menstrual cycle. By working the pelvic floor muscles, Pilates helps improve blood flow and remove any “old” blood build-up. It can also aid in releasing endorphins and relaxing tight pelvic floor muscles, which can be especially beneficial during our periods.

The best part about Pilates during your period is that you can go at your own pace. Your instructor can modify the exercises to slow down and do what feels good for your body. Having this sort of flexibility is a plus point during menstruation, as energy and pain levels can vary greatly from day to day. 

Pilates can also work wonders during your period by giving your metabolism a boost and combating any sluggishness you may feel. Other advantages include relief from cramps, fewer period cramps, more regular periods, lighter bleeds, less breast tenderness, reduced bloating, improved relaxation, increased concentration, less PMS, and better sleep. These benefits make Pilates the perfect go-to exercise during your period.

Best Pilates Moves During Menstruation

So what are the best Pilates moves when you are having your period? Experts recommend Pilates lunges, seated side bend, rolling down the wall, seated butterfly stretch, breaststroke prep, supine twist, hip twists, toe taps, and lying Rockettes. These exercises can help relieve cramps, increase blood flow, release tension, and improve flexibility.

• Pilates lunges: This move helps increase blood flow to large muscle groups.
• Seated side bend: This move strengthens the upper body and waistline.
• Rolling down the wall: This move helps in loosening pelvic muscles and is one of the best Pilates moves to do during periods.
• Seated butterfly stretch: This move aids in the flow of blood and the release of cramps.
• Breaststroke prep: This move releases pelvic floor muscles that tense and cramp during PMS and menstruation.
• Supine twist: This move engages the core and increases flexibility, releasing tension between the abdominal and pelvic muscles.
• Hip twists: This move works the abs, groin, hamstrings, and lower back.
• Toe taps: This move works your abdominal muscles while also relieving cramps.
• Lying Rockettes: This move helps relieve menstrual cramps.

Incorporating low-impact exercises like Pilates into your routine can help ease period discomfort and make you feel better. Nevertheless, listening to your body and doing what feels comfortable during your menses is essential. If you want to start feeling better during your period, give Pilates a try at B-Physica!