Can You Lose More Weight by Exercising During Your Period?

When you're on your period, working out might seem like a huge drag. After all, you would probably rather curl up with a hot compress and a couple of painkillers than go on a jog with awful cramps, bloating and feeling sluggish. Don't be so quick to skip the gym, though. It turns out that one major advantage of working out while on your menstrual cycle is that you could potentially lose more weight than you normally would.

  1. Speed Up Your Metabolism

    • Right before your period -- that is, the week when your PMS is kicking it into high gear -- your metabolism will skyrocket, says New York City's Healthy Weight Medical Solutions. Add a workout into the mix, and you'll end up burning calories at a super speedy rate. The week prior to your menstrual cycle, your body spends more calories for energy. This means that you'll get rid of more calories than you regularly would when you exercise. In fact, you could end up with a deficit as high as 359 calories, plus whatever you burn off at the gym.

    Burn More Fat

    • Since your metabolism speeds up in the week or so before your period, your body is able to burn fat more quickly. According to "Fitness" magazine, you will burn more fat at the gym and even while at rest. It's a good idea to intensify your workouts during this week to maximize your body's fat burning potential, the magazine says.

    Get Stronger

    • It sounds strange, but Stanford University exercise physiologist Stacy Sims explains that, while on your period, your body functions more like a man's. Although the reason is not completely clear, it could be that it's no longer preparing itself for a possible pregnancy. Whatever the cause, this means that you will be stronger and have a higher pain tolerance. Take advantage of this and use this week to strengthen your fat-burning muscles. You could try lifting weights or taking an advanced yoga class, for example.

    Reduce Bloating

    • Women tend to feel sluggish during their periods due to bloating. Bloating, also known as water retention, is not only uncomfortable and sometimes painful, but it can tip the scale in the wrong direction. A natural way to reduce this bloating is by exercising, says "Parents" magazine. Even a brisk walk could do the trick. Exercise also aids digestion, resulting in a leaner stomach.