One in six women fear that exercising while on their period is harmful, a research 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 favourite 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.