exercise while on the monthly??

Kicking_Butt
Kicking_Butt Posts: 14
in Fitness and Exercise
OK kinda gross I know... and I'm sorry for the guys that read this.. but SERIOUSLY.... girls can you do this??? To me it feels rather....gross.... I don't know if its just me or not. I heard that exercising is good for cramps and bloating, but is that even true? I just feel blah... but I don't wanna take the next 4 days off! That would really suck :( (I mean I could lol)

Got any useful info?? Something that will work (other than a tampon and backup? Lol)

Thanks!!!
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Replies

  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    I lift heavy weights at all times of the month and never noticed any difference. I used to play ice hockey and never let it stop me then either... in fact my team used to joke that all our menstrual cycles would synchronise, and woe betide any team that played against us on PMS week :laugh:
  • XtyAnn17
    XtyAnn17 Posts: 632 Member
    Dont be a sissy lala and get yourworkout in! No excuses!
  • greenmonstergirl
    greenmonstergirl Posts: 619 Member
    I only work out at home during that time and skip the gym in case of accidents...I'm not like you delicate flowers who are "light" unfortunately. LMAO!
  • gobonas99
    gobonas99 Posts: 1,049 Member
    Unless you experience debilitating cramps, being on your period is NO reason to skip exercise (and it can, in fact, help relieve cramps). I've run, biked, swum, done a triathlon, danced, kick-boxed, weight lifted (including power lifting), done HIIT and other plyometric workouts all during my period (I wear tampons). I have NEVER had an issue, outside of sometimes having slightly less energy than normal. So just do your normal, regular, everyday workouts....and if you need to take it down a notch energy-wise, do so. :)
  • michellechawner
    michellechawner Posts: 892
    This isn't the 1950's.

    Shove a tampon up there and do your work.

    It helps with my cramps and bloating, but everyone is different. Obviously if you are in pain take some IBU and work through it.
  • storm15918
    storm15918 Posts: 88 Member
    I don't let it stop me, partly because I have a race soon and can't afford not to run lol. You could always try going on the lighter days if it really bothers you. Maybe it's just me, but I feel like it lightens up while I'm working out so that helps too.

    I've found that moving really does help with cramps. It's a good reason to exercise! I often find that once I'm moving I don't really notice that it's there anyway since I'm so much more focused on my exercise. I hate the initial thought of it, but once you're working out it's not that bad at all. If fatigue is an issue, you could try doing less intensive work outs during that time, or maybe mix it up so there's some excitement to help motivate you.
  • mizzie1980
    mizzie1980 Posts: 379 Member
    I've seen this question a lot and I've never really understood it. You aren't sick, you don't need bed rest or special treatment. Just slap on a pad or tampon and go about your day. Exercising isn't going to cause a leak or make you feel faint. It might help with bloating or cramps, it might not. Depends on the person. I find it actually helps a LOT with moodiness, I hardly ever get the PMS grumpies that I used to when I am being active. In fact, any time of month, a good hard work out will go a long way to helping with a bad mood and/or stress, IME.
  • Flab2fitfi
    Flab2fitfi Posts: 1,349 Member
    I work out the same - i use a menstrual cup which I have never had a problem with ( and I'm very heavy). The only thing I notice is my muscles seem slightly lethargic for the first couple of days though improving since taking an iron supplement.

    As another poster said I also have races coming up and cant plan them around my cycle. It does seem to help with the cramps especially when doing weights while a good run seems to improve my mood.
  • ArieMc88
    ArieMc88 Posts: 18
    personally it does help relieve my cramps even though I feel like a total slob on Aunt Flo sometimes :wink:
  • LorinaLynn
    LorinaLynn Posts: 13,247 Member
    I've had some pretty bad knock-down periods (which, IMo, is still better than being knocked up!), and I say, if it's THAT bad that you can't exercise, see a doctor.
  • WhitneySheree88
    WhitneySheree88 Posts: 222 Member
    I agree it does sometimes feel gross but with that being said I like working out during my monthly because it helps with my cramps, helps me sleep better at night and I dont know why but I get this surge of energy after I workout during my period ... weird huh?
  • iceqieen
    iceqieen Posts: 862 Member
    Exercise lessens my pain. Just wear a good pantyliner (orwhatitcalledinenglish) and big panties and you will be fine :)
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    Go for it - I'm with the others who say it helps with the cramps, pain, bloat, whatever. Kick TOM, Aunt Flo, shark week, whatever you want to call it - in the face, and rock your workout! You will feel better for it. :smile:
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    and I say, if it's THAT bad that you can't exercise, see a doctor.

    ^^^ this, because issues like endometriosis sometimes go undiagnosed. Lots of women are told that very painful periods are something you just have to put up with, but while menstrual cramps are normal, severe pain during this time can be indicative of a medical issue.
  • AllonsYtotheTardis
    AllonsYtotheTardis Posts: 16,947 Member
    I heard that exercising is good for cramps and bloating, but is that even true?

    totally true.
  • jmoliveson
    jmoliveson Posts: 40 Member
    Hi; I just had mine and since I started working out consistently since June 6th, I hardly had any cramps and it was considerably light. I also managed to go to the gym and do the treadmill and the excercise bike. At first I wasn't sure if this was going to be possible but it worked out just fine. If you don't feel too good then just take the heaviest day off.
  • creatureofthewind
    creatureofthewind Posts: 34
    I do know there are some yoga poses they tell you not to do when it's that time. Other then that I personally take a day off and I change up my exercise. I do more exercises that requires me to stand then to be on the ground.
  • lyndausvi
    lyndausvi Posts: 156 Member
    I just started today. I still did a 26 mile bike ride. Traditional Day 2 (tomorrow) is pretty rough for me. Bad cramps, VERY heavy flow, just generally blah. The rest of the days I barely know it's that TOM. I tend to make Day #2 my rest day. Sunday is my rest day anyway so it fits this month. Monday I will do pilates like normal. If Day #2 falls on a scheduled class/training/whatever type of event I suck it up and still do the activity.
  • MarineCodie
    MarineCodie Posts: 256 Member
    Just do it. I feel "blah" for the first 3 days and also a bit tired. Just do SOMETHING. You'll be so glad you did.
  • NiBo1689
    NiBo1689 Posts: 20
    I always used to use it as an excuse. Now I go to the gym anyways, and it actually makes me feel less bloated. I think part of the reason people feel so crappy is because they give in to everything and their bodies don't appreciate it. haha
  • StarChanger
    StarChanger Posts: 605 Member
    (and it can, in fact, help relieve cramps).

    Yep. Endogenous endorphins. Best.Drugs.Ever.
  • konerusp
    konerusp Posts: 247 Member
    I follow the principles of Ayurveda,it says exercise is a NO-NO during TOM.
  • lynn1982
    lynn1982 Posts: 1,439 Member
    It absolutely helps relieve cramps!! Lately my cramps have been so terrible I am absolutely bed ridden for a good day, but, if I can get out and exercise a bit, then it helps immensely.
  • Sushifish87
    Sushifish87 Posts: 40
    Since my 2nd and 3rd day is the worst I use a tampon and wear a panty liner just in case but still workout. I find that while I'm kicking my butt I don't have any cramps (and trust me I have HORRIBLE cramps usually). The exercise really helps get you through it! I never regret forcing myself to at least go for a walk no matter how bad I am feeling
  • quiksylver296
    quiksylver296 Posts: 28,439 Member
    I don't do anything different. Yoga, Bootcamp, jogging. They all make me feel better. Help with all the TOM issues.
  • aemkids
    aemkids Posts: 1
    I don't know if it helps or not. But, i just keep going!
  • siany01
    siany01 Posts: 319 Member
    Since being sterilised last year I have had the most horrendous TOM. The type of pain that means I can't stand up and walk. I have been taking some major heavy duty pain relief to get through the day when it hits. At the beginning of May I started at the gym, end of May TOM was painful but not as bad. This month I haven't really suffered with it and for the first time in 11 months I haven't had to take pain relief for it. Thats a HUGE improvement. It was also a bit lighter which is awesome as along with the pain I have had really really heavy ones since being sterilised.
  • dancer1178
    dancer1178 Posts: 50
    Maybe, you could change up your workout during your period? I know I feel sooooo much better after I workout, even if I get tired sooner after than I normally would. If there is nothing underlying that could cause severe pain or issues I say just suck it up, lol. I dance and do Zumba. I find that makes me feel better than going to the gym and going on the treadmill. It makes me feel sexier rather than gross :)
  • kgraves3
    kgraves3 Posts: 28 Member
    This isn't the 1950's.

    Shove a tampon up there and do your work.

    It helps with my cramps and bloating, but everyone is different. Obviously if you are in pain take some IBU and work through it.

    ^THIS. Don't be afraid of your body. It's not doing anything it's not supposed to. If it feels "gross" then maybe you need to work on your attitude toward your own body and how it works. Practice good hygiene like you would normally, and you'll be fine. We all can't stop functioning for a little bit of each month because we feel gross. Me personally, I still exercise, though maybe not always at my usual intensity. I have a rare chronic anemia that is made worse during that time of the month, but even still, I'm able to exercise with a respectable level of intensity regardless.

    That being said, if it truly is so painful for you that you can't even do light/moderate exercise then you really probably should see a doctor about that. If it keeps your from your normal activities, something could be wrong.
  • brower47
    brower47 Posts: 16,356 Member
    I don't have any real advice but I exercise during my menses, heavy flow or not. The only time I won't is if I'm currently experiencing painful cramps but other than that, it's game on. That includes everything from cardio to weight training.

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