Yes, your teen can play sports ontheir period. Here’s how to help them feel comfortable and prevent leaks while working out.
Whetherthey'vegot a big game coming up, tryouts are right around the corner, orthey just really want to kick butt at that kick-boxing class,your teen might be wondering: Can I still play sports when I’m on my period? The short answer is, of coursethey can.
Theirperiod isn’ttheir opponent. Exercising, working out, and playing sports are all fair game whenyour child is ontheir period. It may even come with a few points intheir favor. Read on to learn more about why it’s a menstruation myth and the surprising benefits of exercising ona period.
Whether engaging in light exercise or high intensity interval training, working out during your period is healthy and can help with physical and emotional period symptoms. Make sure your teen is prepared by eating well, drinking lots of water, and choosing period protection that makesthem feeltheir comfiest and most confident.
Try out our Period-Proof Activewear or pairtheir preferred protection with Leakproof Period Underwear sothey can focus on the game, nottheir period. Plus, did you know we make LeakproofSport Swimsuits?
Want to know more? Read on.
A lot of menstruators notice that their blood flow tends to get heavy when they’re out there on the field or doing some light cardio. This isn’t because the flow is increasing, it’s because the physical activity is shaking uptheir body and causing blood to exit the uterus faster.
This doesn’t meanthey shouldn’t exercise, it just meansthey have to do a little extra prep work. Either start with a fresh pad or tampon before the workout routine begins, or make surethey'rewearing a pair of Super Leakproof Period Underwear to help absorb the flow. Ifthey're concerned about leakage whilethey're exercising duringtheir period, simply double up protection. For example, pairing a tampon or menstrual cup with Period Underwear pretty much guarantees a leak-free game.
Absolutely not. The golden rule with all physical activity, period or not, is to listen to your body. Ifthey are feeling fatigued, they should stop. Ifthey are pushing too hard, lessen the intensity, take a break, or try again tomorrow. What’s important is to respecttheir body’s boundaries and limitations with every workout, game, or practice.
Whilethe period itself shouldn’t stopthemfrom going for the gold, be conscious of whattheir body is tellingthem and whenthey need to slow down. With that being said, being active on your period actually comes with some perks.
Exercise helps with physical period symptoms
Your teenmay feel like allthey wanna do is curl up in bed with a Costco-sized bag of M&M’s (which is totally fine) but exercising reduces inflammation while increasing blood flow and the endorphins inthe body.
Endorphins are brain chemicals that interact with the receptors inthe brain to reduce the feeling of pain. Think of it likethe body’s natural Tylenol. Exercise—whether it's strength training or high intensity workouts—signals your brain to release those natural painkillers, reducing period-related aches, pains, and cramps.
Exercise helps with emotional period symptoms
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the culprit behind the mood swingsyour child feels duringtheir period. Not only do endorphins help alleviate pain, they’re also natural mood-boosters. Whenthey exercise, it releases happy brain chemicals, which help reduce stress and anxiety while improvingtheir mood. Healthy body, healthy mind. :)
The first step is to be prepared. Here are some things to keep in mind:
Fuel up
Sweet and salty snacks are tempting on a good day, but on your teen's period, they become even more irresistible. While there’s nothing wrong with a little treat, it’s best to avoid eating/drinking anything with lots of sugar, caffeine, or salt before exercising ona period. This is the most annoying advice ever, but it’s based in science. Sugar, caffeine, and salt all cause inflammation in the body which can make your teen feel sluggish and 'blah'. (However,the body also uses sugar to create serotonin, a chemical which makes you happy, so don’t deprivethem too hard.) Instead, fueltheir body with some of the best foods to eat while on your period, like salmon, lentils, and berries.
Stay hydrated!
Water is life—we literally need it to live. Whensomeone is menstruating, staying hydrated is especially important.Dehydration lowers blood pressure which can makethem feel tired or lethargic. Whenthey're ready to crush it on the court, remind them to drink plenty of water to helpthem stay more alert and on point (sothey can score more points). Staying hydrated also helps reduce bloating and cramps. Score.
Get the right gear
When it comes to finding the right period protection for exercising, our rule of thumb is simple:your teen should wear what makesthem feel comfortable. Cantheyworkout with a tampon in or a menstrual cup? Of coursethey can. It’s up to them.
There are a ton of options out there, and if you want to learn more, read our post on how to choose the best period products for your teen. There are menstrual cups, tampons, disposable pads, Reusable Pads, Period Underwear, Leakproof Activewear, and even Period Swimwearto helpthem feel confident while swimming ontheir period. There are also Period Setsthat provide savings sothey can be prepared for the different stages oftheir cycle at a lower cost to you!
They should listen totheir body
Whetherthey're doing some gentle stretching, or working on yoga poses to get a very strong core, theyshould always remember to pay attention to howtheir body is feeling and only do what feels good. Ifthey're in pain, feeling crampy, ortheir muscles are tiring out, tell them to take a break.They shouldn'tadd more pressure totheir body, especially whilethey're menstruating—it's already going through enough!
Have a backup
Iftheyhave a heavier flow on the day of a big swim meet, we recommend wearing tampons or a menstrual cup with Period Swimwear as a backup. Ifthey're hitting the court or field, our Period-Proof Leggings and Shortscan hold up to 6 tampons or pads worth of blood, sothey can feel confident wearing them all on their own or as backup ifthey prefer. Ifthey're a dancer or a gymnast,they may also be interested in our Leakproof Leotards and Tights.
Ifthey prefer wearing a tampon or menstrual cup but want to feel extra safe, pair it withtheir favorite style of Leakproof Undies.
So encourage them to go out and win that trophy, try a new sport, or enjoythat aerobic exercise. Howeverthey choose to move,their period won’t be stoppingthem any time soon.
