Exercise when you have your period

BluenoserChick

It's not the pain -- I could deal with the pain. It's the flow. I'm NOT going to the gym when I can barely stand up without an accident. Or cough.... or sneeze. YMMV.

BuckeyeBabe10

How funny, I was thinking about this last night.

I feel your pain. Growing up mine caused such insane pain - I felt like I was being knifed in the stomach if I even moved an inch and I constantly be physically ill and feverish for a couple days. I remember times where I'd been sitting in bed talking to some one (went to boarding school) and then I'd wake up a couple hours later totally confused what happened - I'd become ridiculously exhausted. SO, for those that say "suck it up," until you've experienced the kind of pain some of these ladies are talking about, don't make it sound so simple.

BUT like some others have said, I went on birth control for awhile and that REALLY helped out. I still felt pretty crummy, but I wasn't getting sick anymore and my pain was slightly decreased (just crammed, didn't feel like I was being gutted).

I'm off birth control now, but I think being on it really helped because I've either gotten over those bad symptoms or the pill really changed my system for the better. Consult your doctor on what options you have to make it more bearable and then do SOMETHING...whether it's just lifting light weights in front of the TV or even just going out walking for an hour...it doesn't have to be an insane workout spree, just something you're doing so your body gets used to the activity.

Good luck!!!

wish21

I guess its just a matter of getting up and doing it lol. I feel lazy and slugish when TOM is here. No fun, but I just remember that I have goals to accomplish. If its really bad I'll just count that day as a rest day

carcrsh

I feel uncomfortable going to yoga class with it so I think I'm just going to not go on those days and do some light cardio. I think you should be fine as long as you keep moving. And like another poster said it's not really the pain. It's the flow that bothers me.

lovelee79

So I’ve been going to the gym quite religiously except when I have my period. During three weeks I build a rhythm and by the third week I feel great and then that one week it’s surprising that I can even get out of bed. The week after I find it really hard to restart exercising again, especially after a week of uncontrollable binge eating. I hurt all week and my only consolation is yummy treats.
Does anyone have ways to deal with it?

You described me completely !! You are not alone ! I wish I had a way to deal with it, I'm trying to find something also. I got my period yesterday and I have eaten uncontrollably for the last few days, no exercise due to pain, bloating, sore legs/back, etc
I hate it, it really does destroy my routine. In a day or so I'll be back at exercising and eating better. oh well

nutandbutter

I always feel better after I exercise. It decreases both my cramps and my back pain. My TOM used to be pretty bad but it's much better now so I'm able to do this. Fair warning, it hurts worse when I start lifting but gets better by the time I'm done.

Kristinemomof3

I have not read all of the responses, but yes, I do work out and one thing that has helped me over the years is using a menstrual cup for my monthly. You can't feel it and it's like I'm noy even on my period. If you do a search, it will tell you about them.

musicstardust67

I used to have the WORST cramps ever. FOR YEARS I'd suffer from them and it would be to the point where i'd be hot and cold at the same time, i'd throw up, i'd be crying from the pain and I couldn't even move without feeling intense pain and it would last for hours. Birth control, really does help! Also, not only exercise at least 5 days a week especially days before you start but cutting down on pop and salt really helps me.

Savyna

I think it was a bit horrid for that person to say suck it up because we're women of the 21st century...but I digress.

I know what feeling you're talking about. In fact because of my increase in exercise it has slightly did some things to my cycle (right after I finished the cycle when it usually begins and ends, I began another short one which lasted for a couple of days with no cramps or anything, just spotting). Depending on where you are in terms of pain and feeling maybe just modify your routine that instead of intense gym work either still go to the gym and just go at it with lighter intensity or go for a walk outside. I personally would prefer the walking/jogging because I need to be near a bathroom more often during this time and I would also like the ability to be able to get off the path and sit when I need to take a rest. If you feel severe pain I would try some tea and taking an aleve aleve works great for my cramps when I have them. If you feel you are up to it then yeah get up and do a little moving, but if you feel that hey you need to take it easy then do so, a woman's menstrual cycle brings a lot of changes to the body so I wouldn't feel guilty if you gotta slow it down for a while.

Oh, make sure (if you can hold it down) to continue drinking a lot of water, it will keep the bloating down).

Savyna

I have not read all of the responses, but yes, I do work out and one thing that has helped me over the years is using a menstrual cup for my monthly. You can't feel it and it's like I'm noy even on my period. If you do a search, it will tell you about them.

do you mean something like the Diva cup? My sister uses something like that but I'm scared to stick something like that in me hehe so I stick with the more old way of TOM maintenance. -.- maybe someday I'll try it, it seems more economical and ecofriendly as well but hehe just scary to get in there ~_~

FitLink

It's not the pain -- I could deal with the pain. It's the flow. I'm NOT going to the gym when I can barely stand up without an accident. Or cough.... or sneeze. YMMV.

Ain't it the truth! Back when I still had 'em, and I've been post menopausal for more than ten years, I wore two super-plus tampons (Yes, if you insert them just right you can wear two at a time--it's uncomfortable, but possible) and two super pads at a time. During the day that MIGHT get me two hours--at night I got up to change them twice.

FitLink

I have not read all of the responses, but yes, I do work out and one thing that has helped me over the years is using a menstrual cup for my monthly. You can't feel it and it's like I'm noy even on my period. If you do a search, it will tell you about them.

I found them very difficult to empty without getting it all over you, which I needed to do every two or three hours. I suppose if they really did last twelve hours as advertised...

Inlet

I carry emergency doctor perscribed pain pills because I used to become completely incapacitated suddenly, even in public. In the space of tens minutes or so, I would be throwing up and in extreme pain, unable to walk or sit up without passing out. My herniated disk, the time I tore my ligaments, the time I dislocated my ankle, the time I had abdominal surgery.... None of these things have been as painful as my cramping is for me. I have had it checked out and do not tolerate birth control well.
To those who say suck it up, I wish you could understand that not all women experience the same intensity of cramping. Please believe us.
Once the first day is over, I am back to the gym, however. :-)

Savyna

I carry emergency doctor perscribed pain pills because I used to become completely incapacitated suddenly, even in public. In the space of tens minutes or so, I would be throwing up and in extreme pain, unable to walk or sit up without passing out. My herniated disk, the time I tore my ligaments, the time I dislocated my ankle, the time I had abdominal surgery.... None of these things have been as painful as my cramping is for me. I have had it checked out and do not tolerate birth control well.
To those who say suck it up, I wish you could understand that not all women experience the same intensity of cramping. Please believe us.
Once the first day is over, I am back to the gym, however. :-)

There are some cycles where this would happen to me as well, and it was only the first day. I would have this type of pain that is unexplainable and would begin to feel clammy, light headed and would violently vomit anything that I tried to take to feel better (even trying to drink water would cause me to throw up). Do you (or anyone) know why this happens to some women?

hhamada

In my experience, excercise helped lessen the cramps and made me feel better. When I started P90X, I was determined to follow the program so I didn't let my periods stop me from working out. When I incorporated the P90X nutrition plan, I lost enough body fat that my periods have completely stopped. I've since done P90X Plus, Insanity, and am now doing P90X2. I haven't had a period in over a year.

t3hsandy

If I let my periods get in the way, I would have only been able to workout maybe 4 days in January alone (I got it for 3 weeks in 1 month, doing way better from the 2 month straight period I had). I use the hormonal changes to my advantage. I get super angry more than anything (3 periods in a month, who wouldn't?) and take that anger out in a workout. Everytime you pulse the arm with the weights, you're punching the universe in the face for the torture. D<

mazza33

bump...I hear ya x

redtop2187

Absolutely exercise when you are on your period. When I am on mine there are tons of excuses as why I shouldn't/don't want to. I figured if I can work as a nurse and do the other daily activities than the gym shouldn't be given an exception either. I'm not saying that I work out as hard because I feel yucky, but something is better than nothing. Almost all the time though I end up being pain free afterwards.

As far as birth control, I was on it and then my body started getting very out of whack. The three options I had were to keep trying different pills, have endoscopy done to look for tumors, or take myself off (the third option was my idea, 2 docs frowned on it)....I didn't want tons of meds mixing in body and all the side effects that come along with trying different hormones....endoscopy seemed extreme and was only diagnostic not fixing the problem...I choose option 3! PRAISE GOD I FOLLOWED MY OWN BELIEFS....I have perfectly on time periods and hurt less than when I was on birth control. Just my story for whatever it's worth to someone.

MissJay75

The pain for me is bad enough, but add to that ridiculously heavy flow, and a body that decides to randomly void itself of all digesting food one way or another. So I rarely workout during the first few days, and yes it makes it really hard to get back into the routine. But *that* is the part where I can say I personally do have to 'suck it up' and just do it.

fragilegift

strangely, despite horrid cramps and blow outs, I find myself looser jointed or something and more able to handle things. I have less muscular cramps and can do MORE in the way of exercise. After it though...then I feel like crap. Go figure.

MrsR0SE

Bump for later !

str0nger

When your period causes such severe pain that it feels like you are giving birth to a 10 lb baby....and on top of that, you're having an anxiety attack for an hour, it's not something you can just suck up.

Yes it is easy to suck it up. Been there done that. Every time you skip a workout then you dont want it that badly. Ever been on your period and squat 500lbs along with having the worst cramps ever?
Mind over matter.

JadeRabbit08

So I’ve been going to the gym quite religiously except when I have my period. During three weeks I build a rhythm and by the third week I feel great and then that one week it’s surprising that I can even get out of bed. The week after I find it really hard to restart exercising again, especially after a week of uncontrollable binge eating. I hurt all week and my only consolation is yummy treats.
Does anyone have ways to deal with it?

I wont tell you to suck it up. I use to have period pain so bad it would make me throw up. A few times when I dragged myself out people said I was white as a piece of paper and asked if they should call an ambulance I looked so bad. Go to the doc. Period pain is called that for a reason but to be bedridden for a week is not normal. Get checked out there may be something that needs fixing. You may have Endometriosis or a number of other problems causing the acute pain.

Try cocoa nibs leading up and during your period. Its what chocolate is made from. You wont get a sugar hit from it but you will get alot of great benefits. Dont bother with chocolate get the real deal you dont need alot of this to reap the benefits.

Heres an extract from a site that sells them -

Health Benefits

Energy Boost: Cocoa nibs contain a substance called theobromine, a central nervous system stimulant that has a similar, though less powerful, stimulating effect as caffeine. It may give you a healthy energy boost if you're feeling low during the day.

Mood Elevators: Cocoa contains tryptophan, an essential amino acid required for the production of the neurotransmitter serotonin. Enhanced serotonin levels can quell anxiety and enhance mood. Eating cocoa also helps to release endorphins, the body’s natural opiates. Endorphins are what give runners that natural high. Eating cocoa can have a similar effect and may explain why some people become self proclaimed chocoholics.

PMS Symptoms: Magnesium deficiency is known to aggravate the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. Forty percent of women admit to chocolate cravings. This may be the body’s attempt to obtain sufficient magnesium levels. Since cocoa nibs are a natural snack without added sugar, they may be a healthier way to satisfy monthly chocolate cravings.

Appetite Control: Coco contains chromium an important mineral for stabilizing blood sugar and reducing appetite.

Improve Circulation: Cocoa is a great source of flavanols, powerful antioxidants that play an important role in circulation. Flavanols help to prevent clogged arteries by helping to stop fatty acids from oxidizing in the bloodstream. Flavanols also help make blood platelets less sticky, which reduces the risk of blood clots, heart attacks and strokes.

Improve Cholesterol Levels. Cocoa contains healthy monounsaturated fats. The same fats found in olive oil. These healthy fats have been shown to raise good cholesterol (HDL) levels

Janerf1

I'm not too bad with Period Pains but on occasion I do get really painful cramps, I always go to the gym, even if I can't manage a run or something a brisk walk on the treadmill makes me feel loads better. I remember at school our PE teacher always used to make us exercise when we were trying to get out of it with Period Pains. Her explanation was it helps to relax the muscles that are cramping. Shame she wasn't lying really :-)

If you can't manage much even a walk should help!

Meggles63

Like Nike says, "just do it," for crying out loud! 99% of us don't have medical issues with our periods. We're not invalids.

BellydanceBliss

I did for the first time ever last month and bellydancing at that lol. Afterwards i crawled up into a fetal position under my electric blanket. lol As a whole it helped me not crave and eat any foods bad for me, and made the whole experience less well unpleasant. Pay attention to your body...start small maybe just some walking...The other thing is i run very low in iron protein and potassium during this time so i try to double up on it. You might try the same according to what your body is missing.

Beezil

I am really not trying to be mean but suck it up and go to the gym. We are women in the 21st century and we aren't sent to the red tent. It's just a little annoyance once a month. It will actually help you feel better.

Well, for some of us it's the worst pain you can experience (other than childbirth). I would say take some ibuprofen (I take 800-1000 mg - its a prescription) and try to do something. Even a little bit of a walk will help.

I'm not doubting anyone's pain. I personally have all my cramps in my back and it feels like my spine is going to snap in half, just like when I was in labor. But as soon as I get my body moving with some vigorous exercise, it relieves the pain.

This!

nixnax

For me personally the first day is the worst and i normally allow myself to mooch around on that day as it is painful and it bloats me out massively.

but by day 2 I find that I want to go out and do a run or go to the gym and I generally work harder. Maybe it's PMS but it works for me.

Wendy19872012

I am really not trying to be mean but suck it up and go to the gym. We are women in the 21st century and we aren't sent to the red tent. It's just a little annoyance once a month. It will actually help you feel better.

I agree suck it up!!! go gym and do it u will find it more of a struggle but once u get in to it will be ok.
and exercise can actually help the pain .

kimmianne89

I am really not trying to be mean but suck it up and go to the gym. We are women in the 21st century and we aren't sent to the red tent. It's just a little annoyance once a month. It will actually help you feel better.

Lol oh dear. If only it was just a little annoyance!
When I have my period, its 2 weeks of pain in my stomach and back, dizzy, feeling like I want to throw up etc (but I do have pcos so this might be the main problem)

I tend to stick to walking my dog, attempting to keep busy but with work and that its difficult as I get so tired but with food i tend to say I can have 1 bad thing that day, It can be big or it can be tiny but only one thing. That way I still feel in control of what i'm eating so when i feel better i haven't got to 'get back into it'