Exercise when you have your period

I am really not trying to be mean but suck it up and go to the gym. We are women in the 21st century and we aren't sent to the red tent. It's just a little annoyance once a month. It will actually help you feel better.

I am really not trying to be mean but suck it up and go to the gym. We are women in the 21st century and we aren't sent to the red tent. It's just a little annoyance once a month. It will actually help you feel better.

Well, for some of us it's the worst pain you can experience (other than childbirth). I would say take some ibuprofen (I take 800-1000 mg - its a prescription) and try to do something. Even a little bit of a walk will help.

I am really not trying to be mean but suck it up and go to the gym. We are women in the 21st century and we aren't sent to the red tent. It's just a little annoyance once a month. It will actually help you feel better.

Well, for some of us it's the worst pain you can experience (other than childbirth). I would say take some ibuprofen (I take 800-1000 mg - its a prescription) and try to do something. Even a little bit of a walk will help.

I'm not doubting anyone's pain. I personally have all my cramps in my back and it feels like my spine is going to snap in half, just like when I was in labor. But as soon as I get my body moving with some vigorous exercise, it relieves the pain.

Does anyone have ways to deal with it?

YES...I force myself to workout, and when I get to the gym, I work out even harder to "punish" this rude 'visitor' that thinks it can take over control of my life one week a month. Like you, I used to always skip the gym the week of my period, then it occured to me.."this is BS" and decided I wouldn't let it control what I did (or ate) anymore. I can't say for sure that its BECAUSE of working out (since I'm getting older, some things are just changing hormonally), but after working through it since about July, they've become lighter and much easier to manage.

Try to make yourself go at least a couple days that week, and see if you can build up to a habit of not missing at all.

I found that the first month or 2. Then I started still going while having the dreaded period and found that I actually felt better. Not sure if it was the endorphins or what but my mood improved and cramps diminished greatly!!

I teach 18 fitness classes, water and land, even when I have mine - and mine are BAD. I'm run down, every joint aches, and my lower abdomen feels like it weighs 50 lbs. If I didn't go teach I'd be in bed. Take it slow, but get out and work out somehow.

Plus, I've read in various magazines that exercising during your TOM is very effective in relieving cramps - it's just forcing yourself to go to the gym.

I did my regular daily exercise routine just as always and I am actually feeling better than I usually do on day 1.

I am not one to give much suggestions because I don't feel anything like you but if there is any way you could just try to do some light exercise like walking, you may feel better. Exercise has helped me with my anxiety attacks but mine weren't related to that TOM either.

Hang in there and try no to let it get you down to binge eating.

ETA: And I usually hold on more to the treadmill when I feel dizzy, so I can still walk.

I used to use it as an excuse to take the week off from exercise and even eating well. I would be tired and get horrible migraines...since I got serious about my health I no longer excuse myself for a week. Rather than say I'll take the day or week off, I get up and get moving. Once I'm started I find it easier to get it done and keep going!! I also find that my energy level after working out is higher and my migraines are being kept at bay. So I say no excuses...get up and get moving...and if you are in that much pain then maybe a doctor would be able to help you out.

I get it really bad as well and take 800mg ibuprofen and it helps A LOT. You don't have to work out every day on your period but even once would help keep you from not wanting to do anything when it's over for the month.

I'm sorry to put a downer on everyone who has period pains & find it hard to motivate in that week..... But since starting my periods, I have never had a period pain & only las a few days (about 3 to be precise) I have 2 really light days & 1 heavy day/night. I crave choc & then can only eat a small amount cos it makes me feel sick. Am I weird??

I think the trick is to exercise through the period. Exercise, walking..can actually relieve some of the pain from menstral cramps. It may not be the same quality of exercise but you might not lose all of the momentum you have.

painkillers. healthy eating. gym.

that combination has lessened my "unable to operate" time to maybe half a day (at my worst it would be a day or two, ugh).

it really does help to exercise.

also, if you are having extended pains you should go see a doctor.

I've found that when its that time of the month, it actually helps any cramping if I exercise, even if its a very long walk. Plus, it relieves bloating, at least for me it does. Anyway, good luck!

It's so much easier to stay on track if you don't allow yourself to stop what you're doing. Try to stick to your calories as well as you can but since it is TOM, a little chocolate now and then is ok. Exercise is the same, maybe skip a day or two but don't take the whole week off. At least get out there and do something - just make it lower impact and lower intensity. Nothing wrong with a nice walk!