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    Ladies.... do you exercise during your period?

    Posts: 157 Member
    edited November 2024 in Health and Weight Loss
    Ladies,

    I was wondering, do you exercise during your period?

    I tend not to as I feel very bloated and heavy with cramps and sometimes just don't want to move at all, especially when my period pains are really bad.

    But that means 5 days (nearly a week) of no weight loss.

    Thanks

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    • Posts: 945 Member
      Um, yeah. I lift 4x/week and box or do yoga or something on the other days. Every week. Working out helps with my loating and cramps.
    • Posts: 9,603 Member
      There are usually a couple days where I do not, partially due to the cramps and partially due to it not being easy for other reasons. Not always, though. Some periods are worse than others.
    • Posts: 960 Member
      Yes. It actually helps with cramping.
    • Posts: 89 Member
      I usually schedule a break at that time. It's uncomfortable and can be messy :/ And I need to schedule breaks anyway or my body gets fatigued. So that's usually when I do that. :)
    • Posts: 1,363 Member
      You can still lose weight without exercising. Just track your calories and eat your entire deficit. I lost quite a few pounds last month when I was injured and unable to exercise.

      Also - I always workout like normal on my period. Honestly, it helps with the cramps and bloating. Sure it sucks to get started, but once I'm moving and the endorphins are kicking in I feel great. They help reduce the cramps, etc. for me.

      Give it a try! Best of luck :)
    • Posts: 6,592 Member
      I don't let it stop me. It often actually makes me feel better to go for a run and it's no reason to skip lifting weights.

      If you aren't going to exercise for those 5 days perhaps you should lower your calorie goal those days so it doesn't hold up your weight loss?
    • Posts: 245 Member
      Yes, I do. I also find it helps with cramping.
    • Posts: 297 Member
      It doesn't *have* to mean nearly a week of no weight loss. If you're still at a calorie deficit, the weight loss process continues.

      Even so, maybe just try walking or swimming or stretching those days. Arm work and leg work, too.
    • Posts: 4 Member
      I do my workouts, too. It sometimes isn't very comfortable but it's not enough to skip on my workouts.
    • Posts: 1,276 Member
      Yep. I exercise a little harder. Keeps me from killin' people for being WRONG when my hormonal levels most resemble normal male levels ;) (Yes, PMS is when your hormonal profile most closely resembles the male one. I suppose that's the time to lift heavy ??? (Not really. Totally bad science, but funny))
    • Posts: 169 Member
      Yes.
      I used to get really bad cramps at the beginning of my period - talked with with my Dr and he said cut down (waaaay down) on salt and increase water intake a week before you period. Helps with bloating and cramps.
    • Posts: 127 Member
      edited December 2014
      Of course I do...the first two days haha. After that, I hit a road block an take a vacay for the next three day. When it's gone I take the two days I'm off to regroup on my eating habits/cravings. Finally, I start back up on working out and eating the same again. Haha :p
    • Posts: 157 Member
      It's interesting to hear that most of you still continue with your exercise regime....I might give that a go when I have my period this time.
      I can't eat less at that time as that is when I crave junk like maaad! If anything, I tend to go over my calorie goals at that time. This combined with no exercise can create a dent in my weight loss efforts.
    • Posts: 403 Member
      edited December 2014
      depends. right now I am on the pill so it's not such a big deal. When I was in high school it used to help with cramps, the past year however they got so bad I would literally spend a day or two curled up in bed with or without painkillers.

      So, at that time… no. :smiley:
    • Posts: 127 Member
      edited December 2014
      I can't believe I just wrote that in one sentence..how come their mobile site does not give an edit button on a posting? :#
      "Wait, found it but now I mean a "delete button to delete this one." :s
    • Posts: 141 Member
      I mainly do cardio on those days, but if the cramps are really bad I just watch what I'm eating.
    • Posts: 12 Member
      I always hear that it helps with cramps, but I've never experienced that...it anything it makes me hurt even more for a while.
    • Posts: 1,837 Member
      Yep. Hadnt occurred to me not to. Esp as I eat more I need to counterbalance it
    • Posts: 97 Member
      Do you have cramps all those days? And I thought I had it bad! I get very painful cramps the first day, sometimes I feel dizzy and basically just bone tired from the pain. So, I don't work out but I don't feel like eating much either so that's fine.

      After that first day I feel normal and work out as usual.

      I don't know if they make them in your country but I found analgesic suppositories very helpful. Mine are called Buscopan plus (here in Spain Buscapina) and contain paracetamol as well as an antispasmodic.

      For the no weight loss aspect: if you can't exercise you have to watch your calories even more. Good luck!


    • Posts: 189 Member
      NoelFigart1 wrote: »
      Yep. I exercise a little harder. Keeps me from killin' people for being WRONG when my hormonal levels most resemble normal male levels ;) (Yes, PMS is when your hormonal profile most closely resembles the male one. I suppose that's the time to lift heavy ??? (Not really. Totally bad science, but funny))

      ^ Love. This.

      I miss one or two days, not due to the cramps or bloating, just the incredibly heavy flow. It's tiresome, but it's been that way since I was 11, so I deal with it.

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    • Posts: 7,166 Member
      Yes.
    • Posts: 436 Member
      PwrLftr82 wrote: »
      Um, yeah. I lift 4x/week and box or do yoga or something on the other days. Every week. Working out helps with my loating and cramps.

      ^^ Exactly this....this is my schedule too. Matter of fact, I'm heading out to kickboxing shortly for my lunch hour and it's "that" week...actually makes me feel better. :)

    • Posts: 620 Member
      I do unless my blood pressure drops too low. It has the tendency to do that during and it's hard for me to work out when it's 80/48. But, I still try anyway!
    • Posts: 2,036 Member
      Yup. I feel better if I'm up and moving, not sitting around feeling sorry for myself. If I need to lighten up a bit I will, but I still make sure I get some sort of exercise.
    • Posts: 4,599 Member
      Yes, actually, it helps me feel better and lessen cramps, too.

      Another note: If you're exhausted every month when you get yours, it could be a sign of low iron. Check with your doctor, get a blood test.
    • Posts: 8,897 Member
      Of course.
    • Posts: 13,342 Member
      edited December 2014
      of course.. and it actually does lessen any cramping or bleugh feeling.
    • Posts: 193 Member
      My cramps are pretty severe the first couple of days. So yoga and stretching for me.
    • Posts: 600 Member
      Yes, it helps with cramps and stress (which helps me not get so moody.) I tend to never want to drink enough water during that time so it's good to make myself get thirsty too.
    This discussion has been closed.

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