One out of six women fear that exercising while on their period is harmful

By Gemma Francis, 72Point

One in six women fear that exercising while on their period is harmful, a study has found.

The majority (80 percent) of women who exercise said their periods impact their workout schedule - whether it be leakage, cramps or general wellbeing.

The survey of 1,000 women, aged 18-45, revealed 60 percent specifically plan a workout around their period.

And 61 percent are likely to opt for a particular type of exercise to adjust to this time of the month.

It also emerged the favorite exercises chosen by women on their periods were yoga (37 percent), stretching (33 percent) and Pilates (22 percent).

Others turn to weights (19 percent), running (19 percent) and cycling (19 percent).

Additionally, women also proved to be conscious of the workouts they actively steer clear of, with nearly two-thirds avoiding exercises such as swimming (58 percent).

Despite 41 percent claiming they don’t avoid any particular exercises while menstruating, academic research found that during ovulation (day 14 of the menstrual cycle), women are at their strongest.

And during the luteal phase (day 14-21 of the menstrual cycle) bodies are not primed for high-intensity training - which should be considered for women while exercising throughout their cycle.

The survey, by period underwear brand WUKA, found that although one in six fear that exercising while menstruating is harmful, two-thirds (64 percent) said exercising while they’re on their period actually improves mental wellbeing.

Ruby Raut, Founder of WUKA said: “We know that exercise is an important part of mental health, and believe that women should have the confidence to comfortably work out during any point of their menstrual cycle.

“At Wuka, we want to eradicate any fears around exercise while menstruating, and aim to encourage all people who regularly bleed to safely do so.”

Looking at how menstruating and exercising can impact convenience, 70 percent of women always fear they’ll leak while on their period.

And for the one in four who’ve actually experienced an unexpected period leak during a workout, 29 percent said the accident made them feel ashamed, while more than two-thirds felt embarrassed.

But some women prefer to carry out their workouts as usual without fear of leaking, with one in five claiming they wouldn’t opt for darker clothing for exercise.

To accommodate women who enjoy working out during their period, WUKA has launched their first line of leak-proof period leggings, catering to exercise throughout different parts of the cycle.

TOP EXERCISES FOR WOMEN WHILE ON THEIR PERIOD

1. Yoga - 37%
2. Stretching - 33%
3. Pilates - 22%
4. Weights - 19%
5. Running - 19%
6. Cycling - 19%
7. Hiking - 17%
8. Swimming - 13%
9. Zumba - 12%
10. HIIT - 11%