Working Out While on Your Cycle?

Basically just take it down a notch but still workout. I find if I skip it all together I actually feel worse. Instead of running a mile I might walk 2. I agree jumping is not an exercise I would want to do.

I definitely feel better when I move a lot on my period. I guess it depends on your method of hygiene during that time, some are more comfortable than others to exercise. Personally I can't do anything heavy with a tampon inside, they hurt me too much. So I have to use a maxi pad if I want to really work out. If I need a light work load day I can take a brisk walk and it still feels great and reduces my cramping.

I try not to change my routine too much for my period though. I use my elliptical 3-4 days a week and building that habit will be more important than my comfort on my next cycle. Just gotta keep at it.

I don't change my routine with the exception of if I'm having a really weak day, I will lower the weights I lift. I usually up the reps though when that happens.

I carry on, it's just another day. Like others said, it can help with the symptoms.

I actually ramp up my efforts during that time because I know it'll lead to a nice drop on the scale post-PMS.

For some reason, I tend to have a lot of energy the first two days, so that makes it easy to be active. Just have to use a little bit more protection and an old ratty pair of panties.

I fight myself every month. I get angry and don't want to do anything other than eat and be angry but I know if I exercise lightly it will elevate my mood! Normally exercise wins, sometimes chocolate wins and that's ok too

denversillygoose wrote: »

I work out harder because it makes me feel better (helps cramps and bloat) and slows the flow. It also makes me feel slightly less guilty about the sugar/salt/sugar/salt cravings. May I ask what form of "protection" you use? I only ask because I've noticed so many women still wear pads. Of course you're miserable wearing pads!

Not everyone is miserable! We all have different anatomy and they don't sell customizable tampons (yet!).

I don't do pilates during my period because it increased my flow dramatically with lots of leakage and cramps.
All other exercises I've done seem to be okay for me. If nothing feels right then I just walk.

food- I eat at maintenance for a couple of days. Watch my sodium intake. I have some dark chocolate.

I just proceed with my usual routine. Thankfully, I don't experience any uncomfortable symptoms - maybe a little bit of mild cramping.

Large amounts of exercise trigger my periods and have done for the last 15 years or so.

When I'm really fit, cycling (bicycle riding) more than 400 km within the randonneuring time limit of 27 hours will set it off right in the middle of the ride.

When I'm a little less fit, a century (100 miles in one day) will trigger it.

So ... I've had approx. two periods a month about half the year over the past 15 years. I just deal with it and keep going.


A little over 2 years ago, I started bleeding quite heavily 3 weeks out of every 4 weeks. I figured it was just perimenopause. After a year of that, I decided to talk to a Dr who rushed me into test and a specialist, who booked me for immediate surgery. I had a large polyp which they removed. But they tested the cells and the conditions are just right for me to develop uterus cancer. So I'm being monitored regularly now.

I kept cycling and walking during that year when I was bleeding 3 weeks out of 4, but it did get in the way of swimming. Because I never knew when it was going to start or stop.