Weight loss has become a national pursuit, especially among young women, who don’t slack off even during their menstrual periods. A “menstrual cycle weight loss method” has emerged among beauty-conscious women, who believe that “weight loss is most effective during menstruation.” As a result, what was once a troublesome monthly event has become a period of joy and anticipation for many women, who refer to the week following their period as a “golden week” for weight loss.
Can I lose weight during my period?
Gynecologists point out that moderate weight loss is possible during menstruation. However, it’s crucial that women avoid dieting or strenuous exercise during their period, as this can not only fail to achieve weight loss but also cause other serious adverse effects. Menstrual cycle weight loss, also known as the menstrual cycle diet, divides the weight loss process into four phases based on the menstrual cycle: days 1-7 of menstruation are considered the “weight loss bonus period”; days 7-14 after menstruation are considered the “weight loss super-fast period”; days 14-21 after menstruation are considered the “weight loss plateau period”; and days 21-28 after menstruation are considered the “weight loss slow period”.
Exercise during menstruation for weight loss
Moderate exercise during menstruation can improve our physical condition, enhance blood circulation, and help the abdominal and pelvic floor muscles contract and relax, facilitating the discharge of menstrual blood. Therefore, exercising during menstruation is perfectly acceptable. However, strenuous exercise is not recommended during menstruation; gentle stretching exercises are preferable.
1. Seated ligament stretch: Bring your chest towards your knees, keeping your knees straight. When you feel a slight soreness in your leg ligaments and back, stop stretching and take two deep breaths. Slowly return to the starting position. Repeat 12 times.
2. Lying down to stretch ligaments: Slowly lift your straight left leg, keeping your knee straight and your hip and thigh muscles tight, until your thigh is at a right angle to your body. Stop stretching, take two deep breaths, and slowly return to the starting position.
3. Here’s another exercise I love that’s also simple: Stand straight with your feet shoulder-width apart, toes pointing slightly outwards. Keep your legs straight and bend forward, reaching for your toes, the sides of your feet, and your heels. You should feel a stretch in the inner, outer, and back of your legs.
4. Crouching Leg Press: Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart, bend one knee and squat down fully, while keeping the other knee straight. Press your body towards the side with the straight leg. Alternate between the left and right legs during the exercise.
5. Side split: Place both hands on the ground in front of your body, separate your legs to the left and right in a straight line, and lie face down or lean to the side.
6. Cross-legged forward bend: Sit cross-legged with knees bent and soles of feet facing each other; grasp your feet with your hands; bend forward.
