Can I exercise on my period?

The easy answer to this question is yes, it's great to workout on your period. Just listen to your body and use appropriate period products! Here's some common questions answered, plus some top tips to make you feel confident if you're exercising on your period:

• Can exercise make your period heavier?
• Which exercises to avoid during periods?
• Can I do squats or HIIT during periods?
• Can I swim during my period?
• What are the best period pants for sport?

Can exercise make your period heavier?

No, exercise won't make your period heavier, but it may make it shorter. That's because the increased blood flow might cause the blood to flow faster from your uterus.

Which exercises to avoid during periods?

It's not necessary to avoid any exercise during your periods. It's actually harder to exercise during the last two weeks of your menstrual cycle, when dropping progesterone levels and PMS symptoms can make you feel more sluggish, or make workouts seem harder.

Once your period arrives, you'll generally find it easier to exercise. Even if you suffer from cramps and period pain, the endorphin 'high' that you get after your workout can help with any period cramps or discomfort. Plus the exercise will help increase your energy levels too and make you feel good.

Can I do squats or HIIT during periods?

Absolutely! Even if you can't or choose not to use internal period protection such as a menstrual cup or tampon, there's no need to avoid any type of exercise during your period if you use period pants.

Switching to period pants instead of disposable pads makes squatting, lunging, running and cycling possible without any chafing or discomfort. No matter whether you're doing yoga, pilates, aerobic exercise, high intensity training or strength training. And you'll feel safe, secure, confident and leak-free too!

Here's me, at the gym last week. It was the heaviest day of my period, day 2:

(The leggings are from Sweaty Betty in case anyone was wondering...)

I'm wearing our heavy flow 'Feeling Sporty' cotton period pants.  The pants aren't bulky, there's not even a VPL. I squatted and lunged with confidence, safe and secure in the knowledge that I wasn't going to end up leaving bloody smears on my leggings or my equipment.

There's no need for any extra protection. No disposable pad, rubbing at the tops of my thighs every time I moved.  No tampon string getting caught between my knickers and inner thigh.  

Just high absorbency, leak proof pants. Pants which happen to have an absorbent layer and a leak-free lining. Simple.

'I brought some of the pants and I tried the pants as soon as my period arrived. I have to say they were amazing, I totally forgot I had them on. Really impressed so much so I've ordered another 3 pairs.

No leaks, no rubbing like you get from wearing sanitary pads, no bad smells, really comfy.

Went running today in a pair and again fab during exercise, no leaks etc, even on a heavy day. Really impressed, I'm converted to them'. Mrs N Feb 2021

Can I swim during my period?

Totally! Even if you can't wear internal period protection (and many people can't) then period swimwear or period swimming costumes can give you the peace of mind to go swimming, even on a moderate flow day. Period swimming costumes have a treated nylon outer fabric which is water resistant and leak-proof. It seems like magic, but they actually work!

'My teenage daughter uses these products and absolutely loves them. No more worrying about her period appearing whilst in a lesson at school. Never had any problems with any of the products!! Highly recommend! Have just ordered the swimming costume for her also!' Miss E March 2022, Trustpilot

What are the best period pants for sport?

So, if you're thinking of switching to period pants for sport which ones are best? Well all Cheeky Period Pants are super soft and moisture wicking and can be used for sport, so it really depends on your levels of flow and which style you'd prefer.

However there are a couple of styles in particular that we recommend specifically for sport. Firstly the cotton 'sporty' style above which come in a normal flow or heavy flow period pants option. These are made mainly from cotton so are great for wearing for sports and the low-cut 'bikini' style makes them popular with teens and tweens.

Alternatively, our stretchy 'high-leg' period pants are great if you need something with a higher cut leg for gymnastics or trampolining etc to wear under a leotard.

'When I was first shown these pants, I was sceptical. I couldn't believe they could deliver. But after trying them out as an overnight test, I was sold! No leaking, no bloodied pyjamas and no stained sheets; a win, win situation. I also enjoy running and cycling and can honestly say that these period pants have made riding my bike a more enjoyable experience during my menstruation. This is also the case when running- just brilliant!
I have bought some for my daughter; she is extremely happy for the night-time use and I am also sharing with my colleagues in work. A great product. Lots of time and money saved. Thank you' Lisa, Trustpilot, June 2020

Cheeky Pants helps with Reusable period protection advice - just for you

If you haven't made the switch yet, we're here to help. Our lovely customer services team all use our pads and pants - that's super important to us as a company! So they are really well placed to answer any questions you may have. And if you complete our tailored reusable period protection questionnaire, they can recommend exactly what you need for your periods. 

90 day Period Pants Risk-Free Trial policy

We've also just launched our 90 day pants trial, so you can try a single pair of period pants for that period - and return them if you don't get on with them.  We believe that these pants are 'game-changing' - we know this because lots of you have told us! 

So we're putting our money where our mouth is. We know that periods can be a bit random, you've got a full 90 days to try the pants. And if you don't get on with them, we'll refund you. More details here...