A fitness guru opened up about how menstruation can impact a woman’s ability to workout at the gym – and said it’s normal to feel “sluggish”.
Online coach Emma Apell, AKA Live Well With Apell on Instagram, often shares fitness advice with her over 59,000 followers.
Now she’s opened up about how periods can hinder fitness routines, and shared tips on how to overcome the blip.
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Emma recently shared some pictures of herself working out the gym, but she said she hit the weights at a time when she was on her period.
It’s not something that’s talked about often, but the fitness babe wanted to get women talking about exercising when they’re menstruating, because it can actually impact women in a number of ways.
She said women are all “different” when it comes to how they feel when they’re on their periods, and no individual experiences the same thing.
(Image: Instagram/livewellwithapell)
For this reason, she said the key to making the most of the situation is by understanding what works best for you.
Writing on Instagram, Emma said: “Because of hormones it is super normal to feel less energised when on your period. AND it is also normal to not feel as strong. Biologically women’s bodies work different to men’s.
“This means that our training also will be different.
“With this said, not being able to lift the same weights, not feeling as alert, not being able to increase weights in training, feeling ‘sluggish’ are all normal things to experience on your period week/weeks.
“Because your hormones affects you a lot and the entire menstrual cycle has a big impact on training and performance (that’s for another post).
“Do not be disappointed if you don’t feel as strong, and do not expect too much from your strength.
“This is usually not the time to go for PRs.”
(Image: instagram.com/livewellwithapell)
She also issued some advice on what women should do during this time to make the most of their workouts.
Emma’s top top tips are:
- Try opting for lighter workouts if you go to the gym, as hormones can impact your strength
- If you feel you need to – skip gym workouts and go for walks instead
- If you think your body simply needs to rest then that’s the best thing to do
- The main goal is to take care of your body
She added: “It is sooo individual here my friend. So do what works for YOU!
“Personally it varies for me. Some weeks (like this week) I go to the gym, but use lighter weights than usual.
“Some weeks I skip gym workouts, and instead get my movement in by walking.
“I do what works for me and I work WITH my body.”
(Image: livewellwithapell/Instagram)
Since she shared the post many people have liked it, and thanked Emma for opening up about the topic.
People have said her words act as an “important reminder” for women who can struggle during this time of the month.
One person said: “Love this. I judge myself when I don’t go training on my period week.”
Another added: “Just gotta go with how you feel. Mine never made me feel any different really, but loo trips could be a pain.”
Meanwhile, a third commented: “Love this. I used to feel down for missing a workout on my period.
“Feels good to put your body as a priority.”
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