Your menstrual cycle affects many aspects of your life. It is going to do so until you are roughly 45 to 55 years of age. The typical monthly visit occurs every 28 to 30 days in adult women. As you are all too well aware, bleeding can last anywhere from 2 to 7 days.
You have probably experienced at least a few of the following symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, better known as PMS.
-Tender, swollen breasts
-Depression and anxiousness
- Acne flare-ups
-Mood swings and irritability
- Chronic fatigue
-Joint and muscle pain
-Bloating and upset stomach
- Wild appetite swings and food cravings
-Problems sleeping
Those are just a few of the symptoms which occur right before your menstrual cycle begins. Some women experience little difficulty in the above areas, so the menstrual cycle impact on their life is minimal. Others experience very dramatic symptoms. Whatever your personal experience dealing with your menstrual cycle, just remember this.
You have to include this inevitable monthly occurrence in your workout plans.
As far as strength training goes, PMS could be used to represent Physique Misery Syndrome. That's because monthly premenstrual symptoms can definitely affect your workout efforts. Many women find that 7 to 14 days before their period is due, they want to do nothing more than lounge around the house and expend as little energy as possible.
Obviously, this can totally wreck your physical fitness efforts. You should remember that it is natural to add up to 10 extra pounds of water weight during your cycle. That means avoiding excess salt, drinking more water than usual to flush your system and seasoning your foods with oregano to beat belly bloat.
You should also keep a journal. Record detailed physical, mental and emotional symptoms as they occur each and every day of the month. You will begin to see patterns appear. Then you can take steps to ensure your menstrual cycle doesn't sabotage your healthy workout efforts.
