These Are The Best Workouts To Do Before, During & After Your Period

When it comes to enjoyable activities, exercising during your menstrual cycle ranks lower than walking home in the rain without a jacket. Seriously, has anyone ever craved exercise during a period? (If so, please refer them to me—I need their secret.)

Even though the time surrounding your period may feel like the worst time to work out—because you feel achy, cramp-stricken, or just don't want to—it's actually one of the best times to move your body.

Preparing your body for your cycle is just as important as caring for it during your cycle. The best way to do that? Slow it down. Do everything you can to ease into your cycle—including slowing down your exercise routine.

"For many of my patients, their body is telling them to slow down and take it easy just before their cycle," Vora says. "So something like restorative or yin yoga is best at that time."

Considering every woman's cycle is different (and we all have different energy levels during them), the best workout is the one your body feels able to do.

"Women feel very different during their cycle," Vora notes. "The key is to listen to YOUR body and do what feels right."

If you're feeling stressed and want to jog, go for it. If you feel achy and would rather stretch or do something less intense, yoga and Pilates are there for you. A word of caution, however, about inversions: Now is not the best time to do them.

You know how before your period you should take it slow? Well, after your period is a good time to level up. Take that boxing class, do some serious HIIT, or bask in your long run. In other words: Live it up.

Before your period, slow and stress-releasing workouts are the way to go. During your period, do what feels right to you. After your period, crank up the intensity and let it all go. Whatever you do, listen to your body—if you truly listen, it will rarely lead you astray.