Working out during your period

I have found that every month when my period hits me I can barely move for the first 2-3 days. I know I should get up and go to the gym, but the cramps are killer and I have no energy at all. Am I the only one that has this problem?

Working out can help, but as an acupuncturist who specializes in fertility and women's health, I never recommend heavy exercise during this time. Since I haven't met you and diagnosed you in Chinese medical terms, this is just GENERAL ADVICE, and nothing to take to the extreme. This is what I usually say to this question though: Think about it (getting to be a little TMI) your cervix is open, and your body is forcing outward and downward. IF you do heavy exercise (lifting, running, anything jumping) you are putting extra pressure on that area which can be really uncomfortable and wipe out the little energy you have left. Walking, mild yoga, and stretching can be great for that time, benefit those ligaments that are being pulled and smooth out those uncomfortable uterine contractions.

Heating pad before the exercise will help loosen and stretch too before the exercise

I've found that I can really reduce the intensity of cramping, bloating, moodiness and breast pain with my period by being absolutely diligent in the week before and the few days of with what I eat and drink. I totally cut out caffeine, chocolate, empty calories and foods high in sodium for about four days of my expected period and the three to four days it lasts, and I work out every day. No cramps or really any symptoms here. I used to have them so bad I'd curl up and cry. My mother had really bad periods too and she said to eat a tablespoon full of black pepper if you have really bad cramps. I've only been miserable enough to actually do that twice in my life, but both times it worked. It's seriously painful, but you get really flushed afterwards and then after about half an hour, the cramps go away.

I like to do hot vinyasa yoga on the days when it's bad, yoga allows you to choose the intensity of work that you do so if you feel crappy you can take it easy and if you are stressed or irritated you can work hard to relieve the stress. Also, the heat of the room really relaxes the muscles which helps with cramping, and the sweating helps with water retention. But of course sometimes I prefer to lay on the couch, eat chocolate and drink wine.....also very relaxing....trust your instincts but maybe try something new to see how it makes you feel.

Me too... I just push through it. I often feel better afterwards

Like most the ladies here my periods suck. I go to the gym anyway, it distracts me from the uterus imploding.

I think I'm a mutant because working out always makes my cramps worse. The only thing that makes them feel better is a warm bath, some Motrin and comfy pajamas.

I don't want to move, and I want to eat constantly -- bad combination. It I do get myself moving though it usually helps (but starting is the problem).

I posted on a similar thread last week saying that I try to work out. Well, I've currently got my period and let me tell you, I am SO WIPED OUT! I've been in bed every night by 8 and slept straight through. I don't know why, but this month is killing me! I'm not too worried, today I've got a day out with my daughter with lots of walking, and I'm still under on my calories (although I've been starving all week too). Once my energy is back, I'll be right back to it.