What is the Best Exercise for PCOS?

Exercise for PCOS is one of the major handles along with diet to observe sustained weight loss. Research indicates that diet and lifestyle changes together are the best ways to heal PCOS naturally.

In fact, right exercise for PCOS combined with suitable diet can improve the insulin resistance symptoms by as much as 80%. This is clearly, the best way to kick start your weight loss and hormone balance journey in PCOS.

Now, similar to diet; not all forms of exercise are recommended in PCOS. Even though it is such as important way to heal PCOS.

Exercise for PCOS, if done wrongly can lead to even more imbalances. And for some women, it is perhaps the reason of their PCOS symptoms.

So, let’s look into the how and why of exercise for Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. What’s the best exercise for PCOS. How long, and how may times should you workout.

1. Aerobics for PCOS

Aerobics are also known as cardio, in common terms. These exercises increase your breathing and heart rate. They help keep the circulatory system and lungs healthy. Really, for good health generally, you need your circulation to be top-notch, even more so in PCOS, as this will help with metabolism.

However, Aerobic exercises really do stress you out. If you have PCOS, then you want to keep off stress as much as possible. There is this hormone called cortisol. It is the stress hormone.

That’s why, while aerobic exercises may not be the worst exercise for PCOS, they are probably not the best either.

2. Strength training

These exercises are aimed at building muscles. They help to keep the bones and muscles strong. As much as they might put a strain on your muscles at first, you really will love the feeling of strength that you get afterward.

Strength training just might be the Best Exercise for PCOS

• It helps to build lean muscles
• Boosts Metabolism as muscles consume more energy
• Your body gets toned up
• You gain strength and boost your energy levels
• And you lose weight

3. Balancing exercises

These help you to improve balance, of course. They are especially important for older adults. They can help strengthen the body and prevent falls. Some examples include:

• Standing on one foot;
• Heel-to-toe walking.

4. Flexibility or stretching exercises

These are important for keeping your mobility. They can help to prevent aging diseases like arthritis. Some are:

• Stretching various parts of the body: ankle stretch, calf stretch
• Yoga

5. Yoga for PCOS

The following yoga asanas are recommended for PCOS:

• Bharadvaja’s Twist (Bharadvajasana)
• Butterfly pose
• Reclining butterfly pose (Suptabadhakonasana)
• Shavasana (corpse pose)
• Padma Sadhana
• Moving the grinding wheel (Chakki Chalanasana)
• Sun salutation
• Bow pose
• Cobra pose
• Superman pose
• Boat pose

These yoga asanas, when done right, can help you lose weight, find balance, and more.

Go here for a deeper dive into Best Exercise for Weight Loss in PCOS.