Menstrual Phase week 1

During the menstrual phase in the first week, embracing gentle movement really made a difference for me. Instead of pushing through intense workouts, I found that walking on the treadmill at an easy pace for 20 to 30 minutes helped reduce my cramps and boosted my mood. Adding in gentle yoga and restorative flows allowed my body to rest and restore without feeling drained. I also incorporated light dumbbell exercises such as 2-5 lb bicep curls and shoulder raises, which helped me maintain some strength without overexertion. Bodyweight squats done in moderate sets provided a way to stay active while respecting my body's signals. Listening to your body is key—on days when cramps are stronger, scaling back to just yoga and walking can make all the difference. Giving yourself grace during this time helps reduce stress and supports overall hormonal balance. From personal experience, combining these practices helped me manage menstrual discomfort and improve my energy levels in the first week of my cycle. I would recommend anyone in their menstrual phase to prioritize rest and choose gentle movements that make them feel good instead of forcing intense activity.