At Sweaty Mama, we’re all about empowering women to feel strong and confident in their bodies—at every stage of life. That’s why we’re excited to welcome our partner, WUKA, to hear about their expert insights around exercising during your period.

Many women wonder whether they should push through or take it easy when it’s that time of the month. The good news? Movement can actually help ease cramps, boost your mood, and keep you feeling your best. In this guest blog, WUKA breaks down the myths, offers practical tips, and shares how their leak-proof period wear can help you stay comfortable and confident during workouts. 

Let’s address the burning question right away. YES, you can exercise on your period. In fact, we actively encourage it, wholeheartedly! But why exactly is exercise a good idea when you’re on your period, what exercises are best – and how can period pants help you stay comfy, supported and leak-free?

Female-founded and fiercely proud of it, WUKA is the creator of the UK’s first reusable period underwear, on a mission to completely revolutionise the way the world views periods. Intent on being the most inclusive period brand on the planet, WUKA (stands for Wake Up, Kick Ass!) believes that nothing should hold you back on your period, and that your monthly cycle definitely should NOT cost the earth. One pair of reusable WUKA period pants can save up to 200 single use tampons and pads from landfill, with a pretty impressive 5x smaller carbon footprint overall – and since launching in 2017, WUKA has helped millions of women and girls navigate their period safely and sustainably. So who better to guide us on the hot topic of exercise and periods? Let’s get into it!

Should You Exercise on Your Period?

Yes, yes, yes – you absolutely CAN exercise on your period, and we’ll go so far to say you SHOULD too, because the effects can be amazing.

Exercise can help to:

• Reduce bloating and cramps by improving circulation

• Boost endorphins to help with mood swings

• Ease fatigue by increasing energy levels

• Support overall menstrual health with regular movement

That said though, everyone is different, and it’s essential to listen to what your body is telling you. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with a duvet day if you’re feeling exhausted, and definitely no shame in taking on gentler forms of exercise instead of high-intensity workouts.

Can you wear period pants to workout?

Period pants are hands down the easiest way to manage your period. Simply wear them like normal underwear, bleed, wash repeat. But are they any good for the gym? Or if you want to go for a run? And what happens if swimming is your thing?!

WUKA’s got your back.

How WUKA period pants work

WUKA period pants are designed with real human bodies in mind, created to work with you and not against you.

They’re made with a highly absorbent gusset consisting of three layers. The middle layer locks period blood in to prevent leaks and odour, keeping you dry and comfy no matter how sweaty your workout.

They’re moisture wicking too, perfect for absorbing pee, sweat and heavy discharge any day of the month.

What are the best WUKA’s for the gym?

WUKA’s Perform Collection was made for the gym – from our best selling Perform Seamless Midi Briefs, to our sleek-and-leak-free period leggings, and our super popular period swimsuits and bikini bottoms (yes, you can swim with WUKA too!) – this collection is 100% squat-proof and will keep you running, jumping, stretching and dry.

We also recommend giving our multi-size Stretch™ collection a try too. Made with our innovative Stretch™ technology, one pair comfortably fits up to four sizes, moving with your body and moulding to your shape for a buttery-soft, second-skin fit. The Stretch™ Thong and Stretch™ Boxer Shorts are particularly popular in the gym!

Can you exercise if your period is heavy?

We get it. A heavy flow can make exercising feel daunting – but honestly, the right protection makes all the difference. Our Super Heavy Flow period pants provide up to 12 hours of leak-proof protection, absorbing up to 12 tampons worth of blood, and allowing you to focus on your workout instead of worrying about leaks.

It also worth considering switching up your routine if your period is super heavy. Low impact workouts might be a good idea for the first couple of days of your cycle. Exercises such as yoga, walking and swimming can reduce strain on your body and help keep your active. There are some great yoga poses that are wonderful for period cramps too.

As with at any time during your cycle, staying hydrated during exercise is key too. Drinking plenty of water can help to combat fatigue and reduce the bloating that often comes with a heavy period too. 

The bottom line on exercise and your period…

Your menstrual cycle is as unique as you – so if you don’t feel like exercising on your period then absolutely don’t. You do YOU – listen to your body and honour how it feels during your cycle.

But if you do want to hit the gym (or a Sweaty Mama class) and grab some of those feel-good endorphins, there’s absolutely no reason why your period should stop you!

WUKA period pants offer all day protection against leak and odours, are bloody comfy to wear and safe to use by all – even on your heaviest days. Head over to www.wuka.co.uk now to browse the range and make the switch to reusables for a sustainable period.