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And who could blame you? Period cramps can be incredibly painful and downright debilitating for some women. While intense training and inversion practices are not recommended during your monthly flow, we’re here to persuade you to try a period pain remedy outside the (Midol) box: pilates
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Pilates…for Period Pain?
That’s right. Pilates is gaining popularity as a natural way to alleviate cramping and other PMS symptoms. Along with other types of exercises (like walking, stretching, yoga, and gentle cardio), pilates can be used throughout the menstrual cycle to reduce pain during bleeding and prevent pain at your next monthly cycle.
But before we share why, it’s important to understand why we get cramps in the first place. Period pain (dysmenorrhea) is not just a PMS symptom to shrug off. While it is common, that doesn’t mean it’s normal.
The truth is, your period shouldn’t hurt. Severe menstrual cramping is a sign that the body is out of balance. Issues like increased inflammation, hormone imbalances, or poor blood circulation are common root causes of painful periods.
The good news? Pilates can help.
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Pilates reduces inflammation.
Inflammation is one of the biggest underlying causes of pain. When it comes to menstrual pain, excess inflammation in the lower abdomen or uterus can lead to what scientists call the “prostaglandin theory.” Basically, inflammation causes the womb to release higher levels of chemicals called prostaglandins, which cause more intense uterine contractions and therefore higher levels of pain. Pilates helps reduce the levels of inflammation in the body to bring down prostaglandin levels (and mellow out the menstrual cramps).
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Pilates smooths blood flow and relaxes the uterus.
Exercise in general is a great way to boost circulation and relax muscle tension. With pilates, you can easily target certain areas (like the lower belly and pelvic region) for smoother, pain-free blood flow.
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Pilates calms your stress.
Stress and PMS mood swings are hard to manage as it is. But did you know that the more stress you have during your period, the more intense your cramps can be? That’s because stress wreaks havoc on your hormone balance, which in turn can lead to more clotting, cramping, and low back pain. Pilates eases this stress so your hormones can fall into better balance (and cause less pain).
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Pilates improves other PMS symptoms.
You get it – pilates is a great workout to turn to when PMS is “cramping” your style. But that’s not where the benefits stop. In fact, pilates helps alleviate a wide range of pesky period symptoms. A pilates class may become your new secret weapon if you struggle with…
The Best Pilates Classes to Try When on Your Period
Ready to roll out your mat and find relief? Try a few of our favorite pilates classes for period wellness:
Period Pain Stretch
This class is all about easing period pain. It gently opens and stretches the lower back to calm menstrual cramping and soothe your body and mind.
Take the Class
Pelvic Floor Exercises – Kegels!
Kegels are known for keeping your pelvic floor in shape. But they can also be an simple and discrete way to reduce period pain whenever, wherever.
Take the Class
Floor Class
This gentle and grounding floor class is the perfect way to keep up with your workout routine while honoring your body during this phase.
Take the Class
Rest, Stretch, Digest
Try this class when Aunt Flo sabotages your normal digestive rhythm. Stretches and breathing exercises bring your digestive system into harmony and leave you feeling relaxed.
Take the Class
Body Love
Does your period leave you feeling emotionally tender? This one’s for you. Our Body Love class celebrates the beauty and magic of your body while giving you some well-deserved time to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect to your power within.
Take the Class
Embrace a More Comfortable Period with Pilates
You shouldn’t have to sit on the sidelines just because it’s that time of the month. Pilates can help your body return to a state of healthy balance, so pesky problems like period pain and PMS resolve naturally.
Along with our top picks above, The Pilates Class offers an ever-growing library of classes that can help you enjoy gentler periods and a healthier life. Sign up now to get access to all our classes, meditations, and more!
IN SUMMARY
Pilates can be used throughout the menstrual cycle to reduce pain during bleeding and prevent pain at your next monthly cycle. It reduces inflammation, smoothes blood flow, relaxes the uterus and calms stress.
- Take the ‘Period Pain Stretch’ class to gently open and stretch the lower back to calm menstrual cramping and soothe your body and mind.
- Kegels are known for keeping your pelvic floor in shape, and they can also be a simple and discreet way to reduce period pain. Take our ‘Pelvic Floor Exercises’ class to strengthen.
- Take our ‘Rest, Stretch, Digest’ class when Aunt Flo sabotages your normal digestive rhythm. Stretches and breathing exercises bring your digestive system into harmony and leave you feeling relaxed.
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If your period leaves you feeling emotionally tender, our ‘Body Love’ class celebrates the beauty and magic of your body while giving you some well-deserved time to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect to your power within.