ASK THE EXPERT DONNA O'SHEA

Getting your period can be a (literal) pain. Cycle syncing your workouts, where you exercise based on the various stages of your menstrual cycle, can help with the discomfort. For advice, we turn to certified personal trainer and pilates instructor Donna O'Shea, who specialises in pre- and post-natal exercise.

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Adults are advised to clock in 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intense activity a week. However, how can I clock these hours when I am on my period and dealing with symptoms such as cramps and fatigue? Is there any merit to cycle syncing workouts?

While everyone is different, there seems to be advantages to cycle syncing and adjusting your workouts in line with hormone fluctuations. If you suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS), painful cramping and/or fatigue during the luteal phase of your cycle (the time between ovulation and your next period), you can still clock in the recommended time by switching to lower impact workouts, such as swimming, pilates, yoga and, of course, walking.

Women should experiment with different workouts to see what works best for them, more exercise is not necessarily always better. A successful exercise plan does not always equate to doing more. While consistency is key, you should also place emphasis on doing the right kind of exercise for your goals at the right intensity. It is also important to factor in proper recovery time.