Movement and endometriosis can have a tumultuous relationship. There’s no one size fits all approach, but our readers have shared how movement can help them manage their day-to-day pain. The key takeaway? Being kind to your body trumps everything.
Alana:
"Living with endometriosis has taught me that movement and mindset aren’t about pushing or fixing my body, but about learning to feel safe in it again. After years of pain, flare-ups and periods of burnout, I’ve had to shift away from rigid exercise and “powering through” toward gentler, more responsive movement that supports my nervous system. I use low-impact movement like walking, stretching, heat, and restorative practices to help with circulation, stiffness and pain, but just as importantly to regulate stress and calm my body.
On harder days, movement might simply mean slowing down, resting without guilt, or doing something grounding rather than structured exercise. Mindset has been equally important. I’ve learned to work with my body instead of against it by setting daily intentions based on how I feel, not what I think I should be doing. This helps me manage endometriosis by reducing stress, honouring my limits, and staying connected to myself rather than measuring success by productivity or output. Overall, movement and mindset are tools I use to build trust with my body, manage flares more compassionately, and create a sense of steadiness and control in a condition that can often feel unpredictable."
Hannah:
"Movement has been something that I have found incredibly important with my endometriosis management. Some days I feel completely defeated and unable to get out of bed from pain and it can be very disheartening when I start a new KIC challenge and then I have to slow down my progress due to my body. On those days/weeks the KIC Yoga and Mindfulness practices are incredibly healing and helpful."
Madeleine:
"My approach to managing endometriosis has evolved through movement and mindset over 10 years of pain. I’ve learned to truly listen to my body and choose movement that makes me feel good, knowing that what feels right can change day to day. I’ve developed skills to tune in to how I’m feeling, rather than pushing through pain. Writing down flare patterns has helped me understand my body better, and I practise mindfulness with pain acknowledging it without avoiding or fighting it which has made it feel more manageable and less overwhelming."
Georgina:
"I welcome movement at least every day for both my mental and physical health. I struggle with endometriosis, and found out after having surgery in 2022. I thought I had IBS, but turns out I had a whopping 10cm ovarian cyst that was causing me some grief. I was booked in for an exploratory lap, which showed endo and adenomyosis as well. I work in emergency healthcare so meet a lot of young and older women with the same conditions, unfortunately chronic conditions like this are not handled well in an emergency department, especially amongst a lot of male doctors. I use movement to help with a lot of abdominal/pelvic pain, bloating and issues with constipation that all lead back to my endo, as well as the mental fog around certain areas of my cycle. I do a lot of yoga and Pilates, but recently have gotten into more high intensity - however this doesn’t always suit all times in my cycle like slow movement does. I have been running for 3 years, and started doing this through the kic app programs, and enjoy this however the same ordeal - really has to link up with the part of my cycle where I have a lot of energy to expend. I do a lot of movement through any and all workouts in the KICApp at home or in the gym space. I love it, and owe a lot to KIC and the amazing community it has built."
Milly:
"Endometriosis taught me - very quickly - that my body doesn’t respond well to being bullied. Movement for me is no longer about pushing or proving anything. On good days, it might be a run or spicy pilates class with Kika that makes me feel strong and clear-headed. On harder days, it’s walking, stretching, or choosing rest without spiralling into guilt. The rule is simple - move in ways that help, not punish. Mindset-wise, endo forced a shift from control to compassion. I manage it by listening earlier, adjusting faster, and trusting that doing “less” sometimes is actually what keeps me well."
These stories were initially published within The Ritual - visit here to subscribe for free.
