Calling all ladies...

Not at all.

This just made me realize I don't remember the last time I've had cramps from my period. wow...sorry I'm not too helpful!

It does effect my routine a little. Often times I am concerned I might "make a mess" or my cramps are too much. What I do to meet nature and my body half way is sit in a chair and do some leg raises and arm exercises. I might not get full on aerobic,but at least it's a little something to keep the muscles going.

You need to do whatever works for you. Most of the time I have no problem exercising thru TOM but if it's going to make me miserable I'll chill the heck out.

The more exercise you do when you are not on your period will help stave off the really bad cramps and other PMS symptoms when you are on, and it can make your cycle lighter and shorter. Think of it in terms of prevention, not in terms of treatment.

It completely wipes all the energy out of me. I feel hungry, but have no desire to eat, move, exercise, leave the house, etc. And if I have cramps....ugh.....yeah, that time is not good.

This is a personal question and might be TMI BUT...how does your period effect your exercise routine? I know most say that exercising helps get rid of cramps...but what if the cramps are so bad that all you do is lay in one place with a heating pad? I just want to sleep or sit in my chair all night...

I completely understand where you are coming from and in all honesty, you just have to do your best to push yourself. If you don't want to live your home, then try to work on some yoga (DVDs can be cheap or even exercises can be found online). This way, your body is moving but you aren't forcing yourself to do anything intense. Also stay hydrated and take your time. Good luck!

I experienced this - this week! I haven't had cramps in a long time but all of a sudden the bloating and cramps crept up on me. I just wanted to lay down in the bed til it went away eating cheese and chocolate LOL. Ah well it doesn't work that way. I got up and took 2 pamprin or midol because I don't have time for cramps or bloating. I did wait a good 30min-1hr then I hit the workouts hard! I also watched my sodium and increased my water. It does go away and you have to work out even harder to get rid of the cramps and bloating feeling.

I generally try to do a less intense workout...maybe walk for 3 or 4 miles instead of jogging (I have dogs so I have to take them anyway!). Also do light strength training. However, if your cramps are that bad every month then you may want to talk to your OB/GYN about it. Not sure what your beliefs are on birth control (or if you are trying to conceive) but there are some out there that help cramps or only have your period every 3 months.

Another question-Does anyone else get really hungry the week prior to that TOM? If so, how do you control your cravings?

I started my "healthy lifestyle change" 4 weeks ago....just joined My Fitness Pal 5 days ago. I've always had TERRIBLE periods....cramps that wake me up in the middle of the night....miserable, very heavy. BUT, since I have changed my diet....cut out much of the sugar and all the junk food, drinking water and milk (no soda or juice) and being sure to exercise every day (or at least 6 days a week) my last period was AWESOME! I hardly noticed it!. I didn't have any cramps at all, lighter flow, and I felt better than I ever remember! In fact, I even mentioned it to my husband when I realized how great I was feeling. I even did my regular gym routines including Zumba! No problems at all! I really think that my body is much happier with my new healthier way of living and it is making a difference.
Maybe you will start to notice a difference as well?

I look at my goal and prioritize...I want to reach my goal weight and stay there for the rest of my life, my cycle is a part of my life...I am not going to let it stop me from getting fit. No Excuses Anymore!! Just work your way through it and accept the change...but that's just me.

I timed my workouts around my period. I usually get really bad cramps, and I don't work out every day (I'm not trying to lose weight so much as tone), so I work out Mon/Tues and skip the Thurs routine if it's a bad month. I just started working out so I'm not much help there, but personally for yoga, I never go when I have my period. It's just too uncomfortable in a room full of people in some of the positions. Instead, I do some lighter yoga at home.

Hope that helps!

I started my "healthy lifestyle change" 4 weeks ago....just joined My Fitness Pal 5 days ago. I've always had TERRIBLE periods....cramps that wake me up in the middle of the night....miserable, very heavy. BUT, since I have changed my diet....cut out much of the sugar and all the junk food, drinking water and milk (no soda or juice) and being sure to exercise every day (or at least 6 days a week) my last period was AWESOME! I hardly noticed it!. I didn't have any cramps at all, lighter flow, and I felt better than I ever remember! In fact, I even mentioned it to my husband when I realized how great I was feeling. I even did my regular gym routines including Zumba! No problems at all! I really think that my body is much happier with my new healthier way of living and it is making a difference.
Maybe you will start to notice a difference as well?

This sounds like a really smart approach to this problem...definitely worth a try for you girls suffering...I've paid my dues and let me tell you after 48 years of cramps, minus the months that I was pregnant with 5 babies, I don't miss those days, but I do feel your pain. Great advise!
problem

I try to make myself workout more, or I will crave carbs like crazy.