Ladies - TOM what do you do?

SaltNBurnBoys
SaltNBurnBoys Posts: 170 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hey girls. I was wondering what you guys do when it's your TOM and you need to work out. My cramps are bad, but not unmanageable. My real problem is the fact that I wear pads. For a reason that's probably TMI, I can't wear tampons, and trying to work out while wearing a pad is TORTURE. And even if it wasn't, there's no way to wear workout pants with a pad and not have it be glaringly obvious.

Does anyone else have to deal with this? Do you have any suggestions?
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Replies

  • TKhamvongsa
    TKhamvongsa Posts: 287
    .. Are you sure you can't wear tampons? Sleeping in a panty liner is already difficult- can't imagine working out with it. I go to the gym with cramps, working out always makes the cramps/soreness go away for a short period of time - the only time I get intense cramps is when I'm sitting down/laying down.
  • navygrrl
    navygrrl Posts: 517 Member
    Can you wear compression shorts under some running shorts or something? Have you tried a menstrual cup like the Diva Cup? Or maybe just workout at home those days so it doesn't matter what you think you look like?

    I've found that working out has made TOM easier on me. Tampons don't work for me, and I hate pads, so I use a Diva Cup. (I know TMI, sorry.)
  • jrgriffin82
    jrgriffin82 Posts: 21 Member
    I hate working out when I'm on my period because I just feel gross in general on those days. I have found though that working out while on my period does help some with cramps. I do use tampons but on my really heavy days I prefer to use both, just in case. Could you maybe get some loose fitting sweat pants to wear on those days? If they're a bit baggie in the rear then the pad won't be noticeable.
  • SSawney
    SSawney Posts: 69 Member
    I wear pads too and I am able to work out if you feel uncomfortable where a long shirt to cover your butt or try thin pads it really can not be seen.
  • Suz_8589
    Suz_8589 Posts: 146 Member
    Mine are deathly bad, the first couple of days I can't workout. As regards to wearing a pad maybe try a workout DVD at home? You can find a lot of free on you tube.
  • sissiluv
    sissiluv Posts: 2,205 Member
    Always Infinity pads are extremely slim and can absorb up to eight hours depending on your flow. They're my go-to and I can't see them in my work-out pants.

    Could also try a looser fitting pant too.
  • AllOutof_Bubblegum
    AllOutof_Bubblegum Posts: 3,646 Member
    If you insist on wearing a pad, wear one under a pair of tight-fitting compression shorts, then put a pair of loose basketball shorts or palazzo or harem pants over THAT. Nothing will show, then.
  • SaltNBurnBoys
    SaltNBurnBoys Posts: 170 Member
    .. Are you sure you can't wear tampons? Sleeping in a panty liner is already difficult- can't imagine working out with it. I go to the gym with cramps, working out always makes the cramps/soreness go away for a short period of time - the only time I get intense cramps is when I'm sitting down/laying down.

    According to my doctor, the reason I can't is because the passage is just too narrow. The only few times I've ever tried they HURT. People told me you're not even supposed to know they're there, and I never stopped feeling them.
  • _lyndseybrooke_
    _lyndseybrooke_ Posts: 2,561 Member
    When I'm ON MY PERIOD (none of that TOM crap), I work out exactly as I do when I'm not on my period. Then again, I don't get cramps and I wear tampons. There's always Midol for cramps. I can't imagine there's a way to make a pad less noticeable in tight workout pants - I'd wear snug underwear and baggy sweats if it were me.
  • kikif617
    kikif617 Posts: 69 Member
    I do not work out my first 2 days. The cramps, and I just feel damn right nasty. I also don't work out my last 2 days because honestly that ending period smells nasty as hell. So I avoid sweating on top of already funk. Unfortunately I have my period 7 days. So I only work out about 3-4 of them.
  • _lyndseybrooke_
    _lyndseybrooke_ Posts: 2,561 Member
    I do not work out my first 2 days. The cramps, and I just feel damn right nasty. I also don't work out my last 2 days because honestly that ending period smells nasty as hell. So I avoid sweating on top of already funk. Unfortunately I have my period 7 days. So I only work out about 3-4 of them.

    Smells? Huh? You might want to see a doctor. Even if there is a smell, you shouldn't be able to detect it through your clothing, even while working out.
  • TheStephil
    TheStephil Posts: 858 Member
    I suggest baggy pants or a long shirt. You can try working out at home if you still feel uncomfortable, there are plenty of videos online.

    I wear tight pants and you really can't see the pad even when squatting.
  • papagal212
    papagal212 Posts: 93
    I wear thin pads with wings and put them on a THONG and they shape to the thong and no one will every notice. It doesn't fall or move out of place. Been doing this for years :))
  • notsuchaskinnybitch
    notsuchaskinnybitch Posts: 203
    What about riding a bike? Doesn't move around too much then! Would have suggested gentle swimming but thats not going to work!
  • lj3jones
    lj3jones Posts: 94 Member
    Who cares? seriously. I'm not going to stop working out for a week each month because people can see that I am wearing a pad if they are staring at my butt.

    I use tampons, but I am a very heavy bleeder so I always have a pad on as well for back up, the only time I don't wear a pad during my period is when I am on my bike.
  • PinkyFett
    PinkyFett Posts: 842 Member
    In the past, I didn't do anything because they're that bad. Cramping, heaviness, clotting.

    It just wasn't worth the end result.
  • Booksandbeaches
    Booksandbeaches Posts: 1,791 Member
    I don't work out the first two days. I feel like I look like a murder victim down there. The cramps are horrible even if I take the maximum dose of Advil.

    I wear tampons, but if I couldn't I'd check out the Diva Cup. It's a reusable silicone cup. I heard about it on this natural living forum, but I have not tried it, but many eco/green living women swear by it. But then if you can't use a tampon, I'm not sure how comfortable a Diva Cup would be for you.

    I'd do what a previous poster suggested. Wear a non-bulky bad, very tight shorts so that the pad doesn't move, and then over that wear comfortable shorts or loose yoga pants.
  • BlueBombers
    BlueBombers Posts: 4,064 Member
    I take some Tylenol and carry on.
  • Yoshirio
    Yoshirio Posts: 242 Member
    I don't workout the first two-three days. I am a big baby like that.:)
  • Biggirllittledreams
    Biggirllittledreams Posts: 306 Member
    I get cysts, and when the cysts get bad, wearing pads helps to lessen the pain. In all honesty, I tend to take a few days off from 'intense' workouts, and let myself take a break by just taking long walks or doing a lot of stretching/such. That's because i feel really crappy though, and the pain does tend to make me very ill/be quite unbearable.

    I agree with Lj3jones here: if the aesthetic differences in wearing a pad is what's stopping you, then i encourage you to stop giving a crap what other people think, asap! It's not like you can do anything about the way that your body reacts, its not as though you exist for ANYbody's viewing pleasure, and it's not as though people should be staring at your crotch while you're at the gym anyways.

    If it makes you that uncomfortable, maybe you could purchase some cheap weights, and merely jog around your neighborhood/lift at home for a few days every month?
  • CeleryStalker
    CeleryStalker Posts: 665 Member
    I work out. It makes the cramps go away, and energizes me. Win win!
  • WilmaDennis91
    WilmaDennis91 Posts: 433 Member
    Working out helps my cramps plus taking ibuprofen or any type of pain relieving pills. But to make your pads not obvious, I'd suggest wearing some looser pants or shorts.
  • Bella0531
    Bella0531 Posts: 309 Member
    Always Infinity pads are extremely slim and can absorb up to eight hours depending on your flow. They're my go-to and I can't see them in my work-out pants.

    Same here - I've used Always thin pads for many years and have never had a problem with them moving, bunching or showing while working out. Exercising actually makes me feel better less 'gross' during TOM.
  • maz504
    maz504 Posts: 450
    When I'm ON MY PERIOD (none of that TOM crap), I work out exactly as I do when I'm not on my period. Then again, I don't get cramps and I wear tampons. There's always Midol for cramps. I can't imagine there's a way to make a pad less noticeable in tight workout pants - I'd wear snug underwear and baggy sweats if it were me.

    Seriously. My nail guy's name is Tom. My period's name is period.

    That's all I got. If it bothers you that much, take a week off and maintain a deficit. You'll still lose. :flowerforyou:
  • neandermagnon
    neandermagnon Posts: 7,436 Member
    Can you get Always Ultra in the USA? Working out in those you barely notice that they're there.... although you might want to wear loose enough trousers that you can be sure the outline of it can't be seen.
  • kaylurzz
    kaylurzz Posts: 121 Member
    I wear baggy/loose pants or shorts (ie: Nike shorts)

    And who cares if people can see you are wearing a pad. It should be none of their concern what you choose to do to manage your period. Just do what ever exercises feel the most comfortable to you and you should be fine.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,268 Member
    I take a shot to make it go away...now I don't have to deal with it ever.
  • sillygoosie
    sillygoosie Posts: 1,109 Member
    I do what I have to do because I'm not going to let menstruation dictate anything I do with my life. I don't mean to sound harsh, but unless you have endometriosis or some other medical condition, it's just a period and you power through the discomfort. Yes, even if you choose to wear pads. If we want to excel as women in 2014 we have to put on our big girl (period) panties and deal.

    Exercise minimizes period symptoms. Lighter flow, less cramps, etc.
  • CeleryStalker
    CeleryStalker Posts: 665 Member
    :( Reading through some of these responses, I'm truly sorry for some of you ladies. I used to have nasty periods when I was a teen, but thankfully they never came back with such vigor after I went on the depo shot (which completely got rid of my period). When it came back after I stopped taking the shot, it was much, much more tolerable and a LOT less painful/disruptive.
  • fooninie
    fooninie Posts: 291 Member
    What type of working out are you doing? Cardio? If so, I totally get what you mean and ugh....so annoying. I wear tampons so I don't have the same issue. I work out especially hard during TOM because it eases cramps and bloating for me.

    If you are lifting, a pad is fine. I agree with compression shorts, that is a GREAT suggestion...that will hold anything in place, girl!! Good luck.

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