Energy to workout during PMS?

J

Joni

Cathlete
I'm having one of those months where I feel so tired that going to the bathroom takes a monumental effort. I slept alll weekend, so I should NOT be tired -- yet, I feel like I could sleep for 40 years.

Caffeine works to some degree, but it's times like this when I find it MUCH more appealing to say "Cathe who?" when work out time rolls around. Tonight is High Step Challenge on the Hardcore Fat Loss rotation I'm doing -- I'd rather eat a bug.

What do you guys do to fight the PMS sleepy-bug?
 
Mmmmm...bugs :) LOL. Well, I guess I just make myself do it. I know the mental effort sometimes takes more than when I am actually into the routine. I think Cathe is so right when she says a lot of the work we do is really mental...telling yourself you can do it & amazing your body. Although I do agree w/ you it is definitely harder during PMS time when I am so gosh darn tired ontop of chasing my toddler all day! So, I guess the message is JUST DO IT!

"you miss 100% of the shots you never take"

Debbie
 
You know what Debbie? It's when I'm feeling like this that I wonder "how on earth do Moms cope with feeling this way when they have to look after their kids?" My 1-yr old nephew wears me out at the best of times!

I guess "just do it" the answer to both of these dilemmas (working out and being a Mom)!
 
I often lose my energy during my PMS times, the way I motivate myself, and usually the only way that works is the hope that my exercise will help me get rid of the other stresses and emotions I'm feeling at that time.
I usually feel much better after I work out and that is great motivation as well.
just think of how great you'll look and feel.
 
Hey Joni...I feel your pain, I am in my second day of a PMS. The first few days I am completely worthless. Saturday wasn't so bad but I did too much and wore myself out, running errands, housekeeping. I didn't workout per say, I just did about half hour yoga I thought would feel good. Sunday I woke up went to the bathroom, went back to bed, moved to the couch fell asleep woke up when the phone rang, went back to sleep, phone rang again, made dinner then went to bed for the night, LOL. Today I do want to get a workout in but since energy and motivation is low I use Cathe's beginner tapes. I ordered them when I first discovered her thinking they would be harder than they are, but being an advanced person I found them to be easy. However, I had a feeling I should keep them and guess what...this is exactly when I use them. I know if I attempt BC or something advanced I will give up but these I can make it through. If you don't have any easier tapes try going for a walk. Your goal is to energize your body not exhaust it any more than it is already.
Skye
;-)
 
Hi Joni,

I'm 34 weeks pregnant and still managing to get up at 5:30am and workout six days a week. Yes, I'm very, very tired these days, and my stamina is not what it used to be: PMS to the extreme, and it lasts for months. I accommodate the physical changes by lowering my expectations about what I can do. My philosophy is that "something is better than nothing." If HSC seems too much for you today, then just do what ever seems doable. For example, tell yourself you're going to do the warm up and first combo of Step Blast. Or, attempt HSC, but give yourself permission to do all of the cardio without impact, skip over the hardest one, and go lighter on your weights. And make yourself a deal that you only have to "start" your workout; you don't *have* to finish it, if you are too tired. Just give it an attempt. You might surprise yourself and make it through just fine, or you might have to stop. Either way, you did your best, and that's the most you can ask of yourself. Exercise is a great way to wake yourself up. It's pretty incompatible with sleeping :)

I hope you feel better soon,
Sandra
 
Hi Joni,

Try this, tell yourself you'll exercise for 20 minutes and if your still too tired, you'll stop. If not keep going, this you'll get at least a 20 minute workout in. And a lot of times it will help get rid of the tirdness your feeling. Also don't sleep so much the more you sleep the more tired you feel. So really push yourself to get out of bed at your normal time, you'll feel really tired the first hour and then generally your energy will kick in.

Also watch your food intake, make sure your getting enough vitamins and minerals as a lot of times when PMS comes around if you are lacking something it will do this. Also you could check with your doctor and try a vitamin B complex vitamin during the PMS time. That will give you more energy, but do check with your doctor first. As if you have certain medical conditions or pregnant, that may not be good for you to take.

But really get up and get moving, you'll create energy. I know sounds weird and impossible, but it use to work for me. Now I took care of the PMS and don't have to deal with it.

Kit
 
These are all great points - and, actually, exactly what I'd planned to do this evening when workout time rolls around. I can certainly aim for the 1st 4 intervals of Low Max - or at a minimum the step combos only.

Even though the symptoms of PMS (and pregnancy and menopause and anything hormone related!) are very real, I think the mind's ability to overcome the body's resistance is probably a lot stronger than we think. I'm going to keep repeating "JUST DO IT" to myself to drown out the "I'm too tired" whine.

The fatigue just seems to irrational sometimes. As does the irritability - although today I have a rational outlet for my irritability. One of my co-workers is singing with her headphones on!!! Um, that's irritating at the best of times - but during PMS? It's all I can do not to slap a big piece of heavy duty packing tape over her mouth! x( :+ x(
 
I'm with you on this. This is my PMS week and I agree, I'd rather sleep. But I know once I workout, I'll feel sooooo much better. I agree with Kit, just say you will do 20 minutes and once you start, you wont stop AND you will feel better for it.
 
There are few times I've actually had to quit during PMS but I totally give myself the option to quit if I HAVE to. Some PMS days are worse than others depending on what else is going on in my life. There are also times when a day or two of extra rest or ultra light workouts are just what the body orders and you can get right back to intensity after those couple of days!
:7
 
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