Sports and Periods: Challenges, Benefits, and Activities to Prioritize

Back-to-school is here, and so is the return of sports! You’re motivated and on a roll, so it would be a shame to stop or pause your workouts and training sessions just because your period starts!

Who hasn’t been excused from gym class because of your period? Today, things are different. You choose to work out for fun, not because you have to, like back in middle or high school. Exercise should be a time to relax, enjoy yourself, and take a break from your routine—even when you have your period!

It would be a shame to skip your squats/abs/glutes session just because of your period! So, what’s the best sport during your period? What period protection should you use? Menstrual cups or period panties? What’s the best washable and reusable period protection for physical activity?

Loulou is breaking the stigma around sports and periods. We also inform you about the lesser-known benefits of a good workout and guide you toward the best physical activities to choose.

While some people have no issue with it, for others, it’s far from obvious. Lacing up your sneakers and putting on leggings on your period just isn’t an option for some of us.

When you’re bloated, dealing with stomach pain, abdominal cramps, and feeling tired, it’s hard to find the motivation to work out. There’s also a real fear of making period pain worse.

Lack of energy, motivation, or good mood—nothing is lining up to get out your yoga mat or dumbbells!

Once you’ve solved the leak issue (with the right period protection), exercise can do a lot for you during those tough days. In no particular order: peace of mind, joy, energy, calm, less pain, and an overall sense of well-being.

Basically, exercise just makes you feel better. You feel good in your body, your skin, and your mind. That’s true any time, but especially during your period. After 30 minutes of activity, endorphins kick in, boosting your mood and easing period pain. You feel proud, strong, and more confident.

Exercise improves blood circulation, increases oxygen to your muscles and organs, and is also a great way to prevent water retention and bloating. It also helps you decompress, take your mind off things, let off steam, and release tension.

During your period, you need to listen to your body and your limits. You’re not training for the next Olympics! It’s not about stats or timing. The goal is simply to find a physical activity that suits you.

Not much of an athlete? Why not just go for a walk? Grab a water bottle and head out for a stroll. Brisk, steady walking wakes up all your muscles and improves your blood circulation. Your blood pressure and stress levels go down. Why not meet up with some friends to walk together? You can chat easily and the time will fly by! Whether you’re in the city or the countryside, it’s really the most accessible, ideal, and well-rounded activity.

Do you like walking? Invest in a walking pad. It’s the best investment you’ll make—you won’t regret it. Put on your favorite show and start walking!

How about a little swim? Thanks to our period swimwear or our Loulou menstrual cups, you can swim laps with no worries and no fear of leaks. Swimming soothes your back and massages your sore belly. You’ll leave the pool feeling great and pleasantly tired—guaranteed!

Yoga is the top activity to do during your period. But keep in mind, yoga isn’t for everyone. If you have limited mobility, you might find it hard to move smoothly or hold the poses, which can lead to more frustration than relaxation! If you still want to try, start with a beginner class—especially something gentle and not too dynamic at first.

How about a fitness session with no cardio or jumping? You’ll engage your muscles and work on your tone. During your period, you might want to focus on an upper body workout—arms, shoulders, and chest. Core exercises are also excellent for working your whole body without any shocks or impact. In fitness, there are tons of exercises you can adapt to your condition and abilities, all without weights.

Don’t let your period stop you from playing your favorite sport. Worried about leaks or stains? With Louloucup’s period and intimate protection, you don’t have to stress anymore. Choose between super-absorbent period panties or ultra-reliable menstrual cups—it’s up to you!

Do you experience heavy periods and want to jump into a secret fitness session only you know about? You can combine a cup with period underwear if you're worried about leaks. It's always an option to make sure you're fully protected.

If your period flow is light, normal, or medium, our medium flow period panties are more than enough to absorb all your menstrual blood, even during intense activity and lots of movement.

If you haven’t already, check out our menstrual thongs. These absorbent undies are super discreet, invisible under your sports leggings or shorts.

Also discover our plus-size period panties collection so you can work out in comfort.

Our favorite for sports?
Definitely the Emilie style. This seamless period panty for medium flow is invisible under your leggings. You’re protected and stylish! This absorbent period underwear is discreet and stays invisible, even under the tightest clothes.