What exercises do you do during your TOM?

same here. The running helps with all the aches and pains...My problem is getting myself to do it. I also have the problem of just wanting to lay on the couch and do nothing.

Last time Aunt Flo was in town, I ran through a forest, climbed a 20 foot wall with a rope, scrambled over junk cars, crawled under a bungee cord spider web, waded through a lake, then a creek over fallen trees, over a 20 foot cargo net wall, ran through car tires, jumped over fire and slithered through mud under barbed wire.

I think I should star in a commercial for Playtex Sport. :laugh:

I have PCOS - Im basically incapacitated day 1 - I stay home with a constant supply of midol, advil and a heating pad strapped to me!

Day 2 I try to get back on the elliptical..........by day 3 I am back in my normal routine.

My TOM lasts about 15 days, so I think I would get nowhere if I took those days off! I actually read a long time ago that our bodies are capable of working harder than usual during TOM, so I actually push myself a little bit harder. I'm not sure if it's true or not, maybe it had something to do with hormones or something.

It's no surprise to probably everyone, that when TOM is in town, none of us want to work out. we'd rather lay on the couch, nibble on a square of giradeli chocolate, and just try to be smart with what we eat since we won't be burning calories.

When Aunt Flo is in town...I don't want to nibble. I want to eat the entire stock at the store. :-)

I usually have cramps the very first day. So, I usually skip any kind of workouts that first day, but after that -- I try and go back to my normal workouts. Working out has shortened the length of my cycle (used to be 7 days and now that I've worked out it is down to 4) and it makes me feel better. Yes, it is hard to get yourself motivated to go, but I force myself to do it. And I'm always glad I did. I run. I do weights. I do my normal stuff.

I do my usual workout - the exercise helps the cramps. Drink plenty of water and I cut down on bread as it bloats me more.

Personally, I never feel like working out while TOM is around ): I feel like crap and I get bad backaches...but I was told by past Physical Ed teachers and my doctor that it does help with the symptoms and is good for you.

Wow! Thanks so much everyone for your input!! I didn't expect that many responses so quickly, lol.

Looks like most of you continue your exercise as it also helps the cramps go away. I think i'll do the same, but start off easy ... i would normally do a spinning class tonight, but its only my 2nd one, and it kills me on a regular day, so I think I'll use the treadmil tonight at a good incline and speed ... just to do something, but not quite the same "butt kicking" as normal ...

i have talked to my doctor, she can't see anything wrong with me, i've just always had horrible cramps. they stink cause they really interfere with work and life in general ... i'm usually out of commission for a day or two ... and I am on BC, it doesn't help much though ...

buuuut i'm gonna try my best and will work out tonight ... thanks so much everyone!

What is it with the doctors? They start you ON birth control so they have something to treat! ugh

I finally broke down and got the mirena, I have severe blood-loss (3+oz measured! per day) and cramping during my 7-8 day periods. Mirena has definitely lessened the blood loss (I spot 24/7 instead of bleeding through everything) But my moods have gotten horrible during the TOM! Before I was silently in pain (I could not get into work, but nothing else changed) NOW (this last period I had) I am the biggest female dog you have ever met! My husband was freaking out! rofl (normally I'm even keel all the time) The mood swings are new for me and I do NOT like them. ha ha But I'd trade the heavy blood flow for them in a heartbeat, so I guess they are here to stay. The only thing it is not helping with is pain (so far). I actually think my pain lasts longer is harder (ie more painful) which I did not think was possible (it's put me in the ER twice and morphine would not control it)

So back on topic, no working out does not give me relief (oh yes I've tried everything, with my periods, you try anything to get relief!) But it works out because I have no appetite for 2 days.

I still do the same exercise, probably not with the same intensity as my body wont allow it. All I want is to lay in bed but I still get my butt out there and get those wokouts in!