🏋️‍♀️🧘‍♀️5 PCOS friendly exercises🧘‍♀️🏋️‍♀️

The dreaded G word... Gym...

I have always loved to workout, ever since primary school I loved the after school clubs, lunch clubs and even went to other schools for sports competitions.

If you have read any of my previous blogs, you will have learnt that I have been diagnosed with PCOS.

After doing research into PCOS and working out I have put together my top 5 PCOS friendly exercises...

1. Swimming- I LOVE swimming. It is one of my favourite exercises because it works every single muscle. You don't have to be an Olympic swimmer to have a good swimming session. Before covid I would go to the gym and swim for hours on end, I feel so refreshed after swimming, it does not hurt you or put your body under any unnecessary strain, this is amazing for PCOS as it helps with cramps and pains.

2. Cycling - Indoor or outdoor cycling is PCOS friendly. I personally love it because you can go as fast or as slow as you would like. If you have an indoor bike, you can watch TV while riding which helps take your mind off the exercise itself. It is also so easy as you can ride whenever you would like. I use my indoor bike as a way of getting miles in for my virtual challenges and this really motivates me to keep going on those bad days. Saves the gym anxiety too, I get that quite a bit.

3. Walking/Slow jogging - I love doing the couch to 5k, although I cannot run like I used to. I love to do a bit of slow jogging a few times a week. I also love walking, as I do not drive I tend to walk a lot. I have enjoyed walking as part of my virtual challenges too.

4. Weighted workouts - Choosing smaller weights to start with and building up is best for PCOS. There's a pump class at the gym I go to, I used to love this class. Unfortunately, the pandemic did decide to ruin the gym for a while but I am back working on myself regularly and weights are something I am beginning to do a lot more of since returning. Being a competitive boxer for 6 years and being told everyday that weights are no good as they make you heavy and slow which when it comes to boxing that is very true, it has been hard to adapt to PCOS workouts and using weights.

5. Yoga - After a workout or a hard day at work I love to do some yoga. Sometimes I will just do a yoga session to relax. I have this great app on my phone and apple watch which is great and has a large range of positions to do and help me to become more flexible.

Having PCOS I have struggled so far with doing slow workouts instead of fast ones, mainly because I'm used to boxing which is anything but slow-paced. I have done a lot of research into PCOS and I have learnt so much already! I love listening to podcasts and watching youtube videos of people who have suffered from PCOS and have reversed their symptoms by diet and exercise. I never realised how damaging PCOS is for your body, illness after illness. I have been very quiet just recently as I have been having lots of appointments etc. I loved writing my blogs before and I’m definitely going to be working on some great blogs in the future!

I love how everyone who has taken the time to read my blogs has asked how I am and generally loves reading my stories. I most certainly have lots more to share.

Thanks for reading this blog, I look forward to sharing more tips and tricks soon!

Chloe x