Yoga according to your cycle

We love yoga. It's mindful and low-impact. And it can help you become stronger, gain more balance, and stay flexible. Whether you use yoga as a workout or simply to relax, yoga is ideal for every phase of your menstrual cycle.

But did you know that some types of yoga are better suited to the different phases of your cycle? During the first half of your cycle, it's easier to build muscle because you have more energy. During the pre-menstrual phase, it's better to choose a more gentle yoga session because your body needs more rest. In this blog post, we'll tell you all about yoga during every phase of your cycle . And we'll do this with none other than the amazing yoga therapist Mounira Bazzi.

The Benefits of Yoga During Your Period

Most studies on yoga and menstruation only look at the effects of exercise in general , not specifically at what yoga does. But a recent study showed that yoga helps reduce moderate to severe pain, abdominal swelling, and breast tenderness. Wow!

Another study found that practicing yoga regularly—twice a week for twelve weeks—helps improve cramps, fitness, and overall quality of life. Sounds good, right?

Yoga for every phase of your cycle

So which yoga style is best for which phase of your cycle? We asked Mounira Bazzi . And what better way to explain it than with a video? Check it out below and join in!

💪🏻 The first half of your cycle: Power/Vinyasa Yoga

You'll have a lot of energy during this time. This yoga session is all about building muscle and strength. Get ready to sweat!

🛌🏻 Second half of your cycle: Gentle yoga stretch

Choose this gentle yoga stretch during your premenstrual phase. You'll have less energy and feel more tired than usual. But it's always good to move your body—even (especially!) when you don't feel like it. That's why this session is perfect for a time when you need to listen to your body. Don't be too hard on yourself! This is the gentle yoga class you need right now.

Is yoga safe when I'm menstruating?

Yes! You can practice yoga completely safely. Some people claim that certain positions can harm your reproductive organs, but that's not true.

Other instructors advise against doing poses like a headstand while menstruating. Some yogis believe that reversing blood flow can cause problems. However, medically speaking, doing yoga during your period is perfectly fine. The general rule of thumb is to always listen to your body.

If it feels right, go for it. For others, certain poses might feel uncomfortable during their period—in that case, skip them and choose another time. Lie down in child's pose or savasana, and start again when you're ready.

What if I am pregnant or trying to conceive?

If you're pregnant, avoid hot yoga and any inverted pose where your head is below your heart. This is because you might become dizzy more easily. Dizziness itself isn't necessarily a problem, but it can cause you to faint and fall, which can hurt you or your baby.

And as your belly grows, your spine also adapts to accommodate your growing baby. Some poses, if done incorrectly, can cause pain or injury. Therefore, consider pregnancy yoga, as a trained instructor will know the safest positions.

If you're trying to conceive, there's no need to worry unless you're undergoing IVF. IVF stimulates your ovaries, causing them to swell. Therefore, you should avoid yoga poses that involve twisting or inversions. These positions can lead to a rare complication called ovarian torsion. It's very rare, but you don't have to risk it!

For now, we hope you're enjoying relaxing or even more intense yoga sessions. Want to know more about exercising during your period? Check out our blog post about how to exercise according to your cycle .

Do you have any questions about your menstrual health? Or would you like to know more? Contact us via our live chat support or find the right products for you using our product finder. We're happy to help, so you can feel great every day of the month.