That time of the month - Ugh!!!

[KimDW]

Hello, I hope everyone is having a good day so far. I was wondering what people's thoughts were on exercising during period. Mine usually only lasts for 3-4 days but it is heavy and I feel crampy and uncomfortable and I hate to sweat during this time. Should I just let those days go and not do anything or should I try to do something? Even with walking on the treadmill I get sweaty. I've tried going to my classes and exercising but the whole time I'm not into it and keep thinking that I should've just stayed home.
Also, how often do you work with weights? In my Step and Kickboxing classes at the gym they put in about 15 mins of weights after the cardio (I only use the 5 lb. hand weights for this). Then on Tues and Thursday I take a Body Bar Class that is circuit training but I'm more focused on the weight (I use a 12 lb. or a 15 lb. body bar). Is this too much? I don't want to bulk up but would like to tone my upper body.

 

[kathryn]

I often find that my energy is lower at TTOM, and I need to sleep an extra hour each day. For exercise, I usually prefer something a little less intense the first day, but I find that exercise does help with things like headaches (which I get at TTOM) and just feeling sluggish.

 

[mogambo]

Sometimes I am not affected by my period, and sometimes I feel a bit foggy and less energetic, but I just ignore it and soldier on. Once I get started, my energy comes back. I do exactly what I would do on a non-period day. Whatever's on the schedule. Yessirree Bob. To be fair, I do not have PMS or much of any problem. A wee bit of cramping the day before, and some energy issues sometimes, so I'm not being brave enough to deserve a medal by ignoring the whole thing.

 

[Jcrew3082]

Boy do I feel for you! When it's my time of the month, I am so tired and usually very crampy the first day or two. I really try to push myself to exercise, because I know it will make me feel a little better, but sometimes it's just not possible. If I really feel like I need to sleep, I sleep. I feel a little guilty if I don't exercise, but I know that I'll jump back in when I feel better. I "go with the flow" so to speak haha. Listen to your body, and try not to feel bad.

I try to do Power Hour once a week and each Pure Strength once a week. It sounds like you have a good routine going. 2 Body Bar classes/week is great. I'm no expert, but I think you can probably skip the weight sessions after the Step & Kickbox classes. If you want to keep them, just make sure you get enough recovery time in before going to the Body Bar classes.

Feel better!
Gina

 

[hounddogs]

I work with high school girls (coaching and PE) and you'd think the world was coming to an end for some of them each month. However, most seem to find that if they "soldier on" their cramps are often alleviated by excercise. That's always been my experience, but I've had it pretty easy in that dept. so I wanted to relate how a big group of girls do.
--Ann

 

[LizzieLiz]

If cramps were my only problem during that time, I’d be a much happier person for those few days, and I get them BAD some months. However, it’s the loss of energy and nasty moods that get me the worst. I usually try to push myself through something, but often times I end up stopping early because I just get exhausted physically. This is usually only the first day that it happens… after that no excuses for me!

I would say go ahead and try something, just give yourself at least 15 or 20 minutes and see how you feel. If it still doesn’t feel right , call it a day. Make yourself some hot chocolate with Baileys Irish cream... the worlds best period relief!