Weight-lifting and TTOM

[LeanneM]

Hi everyone,

OK, so I know this is a personal question, but do you find that it's harder to lift during that time of the month? I noticed last month that I couldn't finish some of the sets in my weight workouts, and this month I've noticed the same thing. My muscles just seem to be give out more quickly just for that one week.

Am I crazy or is this something that some of you have found, too?!

 

[lederr]

you are strongest when your testosterone surges (around ovulation) then less so as it subsides. i also notice i don't feel as strong during my totm.

 

[LeanneM]

Thanks, Lorie! I was hoping that I wasn't just imagining it! I even checked my workout logs for the last few months, and noticed a consistent pattern. It's nice to know that there's definitely a hormonal reason!

 

[maddiesmum]

Leanne:

It's really smart to know your body like this. You have been tracking it and have noticed a pattern, this makes it easier for you to work around the few days when you just don't have it all there and cut yourself some slack, then really challenge yourself as the hormone levels rise again.

I noticed a similar kind of thing a few years ago. I noticed that right before my period I didn't have the energy levels I needed to really blitz through my cardio workouts. So I decided that there would be some times when I should not worry about it, but cut myself some slack and instead I concentrate on weight training more during those few days because I can do that better than I can cardio at these energy-challenged days.

Psychologically, it really helps to track these things because then when you have a shitty workout you can blame it on the hormones!

Clare

 

[LeanneM]

Hi Clare,

Thanks for the valuable input! It's nice to hear that others are noticing these changes, too.

It's also odd because I never really noticed low energy levels while working out until fairly recently. I don't know if it's because I'm getting older or perhaps because I'm working out with weights harder and more frequently than I ever have before. Whatever the reason, it's certainly good advice to cut myself some slack instead of feeling frustrated and pushing myself when I shouldn't be.

Thanks!