Do you work out on your period?

Although it can be uncomfortable, research shows that if you work out while on your period it does two things: (a) relieves the symptoms of the menstrual cycle and PMS, and (2) burns up to 25% more calories, although it's difficult to account for those calories because your HRM won't tell you that. I enjoy working out all the time, when I'm actually doing it.

I would like to point out for the posters having the argument about religion that this is neither the time nor the place for that type of discussion. Especially since trying to convince someone that their opinion on religion is wrong or a misunderstanding will only serve to strengthen their resolve. This is a place to talk about whether or not individual women workout on their periods or not, and whether it is helpful to them in their resolve to lose weight.

For some women, this is simply not possible. Some women have menorrhagia. Other get extreme cramping or severe headaches during their menstrual cycles. Other women become feverish or extremely tired. If you are experiencing these symptoms, cut down your exercise or do something more simple, like taking a walk. For women who become extremely fatigued or have menorrhagia, a visit to the gynecologist or general practitioner is in order, as these women may be experiencing cycle-related anemia.

However, in general, if you are healthy and do not experience severe symptoms, at least a 20 minute walk will probably help.

Its good to do light work outs when you are on your period.

no. the entire world ceases to exist when I have my period.

I know your comment was sarcastic, but some of the women on this thread seem to be dead serious about this sentiment. It's completely bizarre to me. I have never met someone like that in real life.

Some people have different experiences to you. For those who have it tough, why push your body and potentially make yourself worse when a couple of easier days will help?

^ This! I am really surprised at the bashing women do to each other. I shouldn't be, but I am. I have been on both sides of the period fence as mentioned in my first response to this thread. I would have never known what an ablation was because I thought it was just normal to have such a heavy period. I only found out by accident when I had a cancer scare (which ended up not being cancer thank goodness!) and ended up having an ovary removed. This wasn't something was was discussed in my house growing up. My mom wasn't afraid to talk periods with my sisters and I but she never made a big deal out of the fact that mine was heavy. I also heard that your period symptoms can change after child birth, so again, I thought it was normal. I think it's easier to understand when you've been there.
This was a legit question in reference to what different women do. If you work out, GREAT! If not, that's fine too. The best part of being a woman is that we are all different from the next. If you have never had a period that isn't awful, then you are so lucky but it doesn't give you the right to make those that do have horrible periods feel even worse because they need a few days to rest.

Yes I still workout. I take a Midol if I need it.

the 1st day or two no b/c i usually have bad cramps & feel blah. nothing wrong with working out during your period, doesn't affect anything. it just depends on how you feel. if you're popping pain pills & have a heating pad on, then skip it that day

I do. I have PCOS and get excruciating cramps, but I just run through them. Exercise helps anyway so long as I'm moving fast. Slow movement or being sedentary makes it worse.

Same routine. Period or no, I work out. Nothing changes.

Just on the first day. I have mild pain, but feel I quite tired/lethargic. I would much rather have cuddles/ eat food (although I have cut that out atleast).

1 day off doesn't hurt anyone.

I also only have my period for 3 days so it really doesn't affect me too long.

When I was younger I wasn't introduced to tampons so I would always skip PE for those purposes, as it was quite gross.

Tampons definitely help

I don't see why I wouldn't work out during that time..

It actually helps alot, both physically and mentally. It takes my mind off wanting to rip everyone's head off around me :laugh:

I do - but this is personal; everyone is different.

I too get HORRIBLE cramps - but walking does help.

Plus, with exercise, I'm a little OCD - I don't like to skip it..........................!

And - when you're done with your workout, you do feel like you've conquered the whole damn thing a bit...................!