by Gemma Delaney

Imagine running in an Ironman on the heaviest day of your cycle; more nightmare than reality for many women. However, seasoned Ironwoman, Daniella Tanner, has managed to come to terms with the involuntary biological curveball that is her period, turning it into an opportunity to triumph. She stresses the variability in period experiences, and her personal strategy, derived from support from top clinicians, incorporates a tweaked diet, increased intake of magnesium and iron-rich foods, along with anti-inflammatories during her cycle.

Daniella confesses to dreading periods on race days, but embraces this challenge by sticking to foods that won’t amplify her discomfort. Far from being a hindrance, Daniella triumphed in her professional Ironman win last year on her most challenging cycle day! Her secret? Keeping a meticulous track of her cycle via a period tracking app, and gaining an edge with tailored nutritional and training advice for every phase of it.

Global fitness influencer and personal trainer, Brooke Mitchell, 40, views her menstrual cycle as a dynamic factor influencing workout and energy levels, and advocates for a nuanced understanding of menstrual changes in workout planning. She observes a shift in women’s workout performances depending on where they are in their cycle and advises changes in diet to restore energy during difficult phases. Gentle exercises, Pilates and yoga, are her go-to remedies for common menstrual discomfort.

Brooke also emphasizes working the toughest routines into periods of enhanced energy in her cycle, adding, they should always prioritize the quality of moves over quantity in workouts, and understand when it’s time to stop due to menstrual discomfort, to avoid poor form related injuries.

Successful Athlete, Olivia Pratt, 38, believes menstruation shouldn’t be an impediment.

Having participated in elite sports for over 20 years, Olivia shares her experience of hormonal fluctuations and acknowledges the peak hormonal state of women in the mid-to-late thirties. She stresses managing these hormonal highs and lows through wellness routines and diet. Staying hydrated, reducing salt, not limiting carbs, and revitalizing lost energy soon after the workout have been rewarding strategies for her. For Olivia, the period immediately after menstruation presents an opportunity for intense training. She concludes, pragmatically, that menstrual dates should not determine the quality of one’s days – good or bad.

Fitness guru, Rachel Parsons, recommends listening to your body, embracing the benefits of exercise during menstruation, and maintaining hydration as essential tips for working out during the menstruation days.

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