No matter where you’re from, or what your goals are, if you’re a woman – you probably get a visit from Aunt Flow, every month. If you are anything like me, then the results of hormonal fluctuations and monthly flow wreak literal HAVOC on both your body, and your mind. Energy is down, pain threshold is low, pain in general is high, mood is crappy, and motivation is nonexistent. Ah, the joys of being female! Oh, and did I mention the potential mess you can have on your hands if heaven forbid things get messy and a leak happens? What’s a girl to do?! This post is all about how to push past the inconvenience, and how U by Kotex® FITNESS *can help you #FindYourFITNESS

Problem: Motivation to work out is particularly low.

Solution: Incentivize yourself to train. Reward yourself for getting your training session in, if you have the energy! Not only will you FEEL better after working out (more on that later), but you’ll also reap the benefits of your self-awarded reward. Post-workout massage?! Yes, please!

Problem: Cramps, bloating, back pain and headaches are running rampant, leaving you feeling absolutely miserable.

Solution: Get some light cardio in. The cardio will help you sweat off some of that excess water. As a bonus, the endorphins released during a workout reduce pain perception, and getting your circulation going reduces cramps. Win-win? I think so!

Problem: Periods in general are a messy thing. Throw in some running, spinning, or weight lifting, and you can have a real mess on your hands.

Solution: The U by Kotex^®FITNESS* line inspires fitness greatness in being ingeniously designed to accommodate the active individual. The tampons come in a compact, discreet, and durable plastic FITPAK*, the Liners have DualFlex Zones* that move with you, and the Ultra Thin Pads are shaped to fit and flex with your body. Gone are the days when you have to worry about leaking onto your beautiful Lululemon leggings. Oh! And if you want to win some, be sure to read till the end of this post for a GIVEAWAY!

Here are some other incentives to work out while on your period:

When your period starts, your estrogen and progesterone levels drop. As a result, your body is able to access carbohydrates and glycogen, which means fuel is more easily accessible to your body, and you actually get more out of your workout with the extra boost.

Your body temperature is slightly lower during your period, which means you can go longer and store more heat before your body hits the fatigue point. You’re also able to tolerate heat and humidity better, so why not try a little hot yoga?

In general, it’s beneficial to adjust your training style to revolve around your hormonal shifts. At the beginning of your cycle, up until the middle – your hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are low, which means you’ll feel stronger and recover faster. This is a great time to push harder, start a new routine, and even get an extra workout in. From mid-cycle up until you start your period again, hormones will be high – so that’s not the time to start a new fitness routine or engage in strenuous activity, because your body might not like you too much, afterwards.

**GIVEAWAY**

Want to win some of the latest and greatest from U by Kotex® FITNESS?! Lucky for you, I’m giving some away! For a chance to win, comment below, letting me know what you do to push past barriers and reach your fitness goals! I will announce the winner in one week’s time!

You can Win:

U by Kotex® FITNESS* Ultra Thin Pads With Wings, Regular (15 count)

U by Kotex® FITNESS* Folded & Wrapped Liners, Regular (40 count)

U by Kotex® FITNESS* Compact Tampons, Regular, Super, (15 count)

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This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of U by Kotex®. The opinions and text are all mine.