Question for women

Merrida · 19-Jul-03, 01:17 PM

Do you train the same when you're on your period?

I swear I have heard just about every "version" out there covering both ends of the spectrum and all in between, about both PMS and our periods.

Some believe exercise will help reduce cramps and pain. (I think I've usually heard that from interviews with professional athletes, so is it TV fan hype or is it their very high activity level in general?)

Some believe we should refrain from (or at least drastically reduce) exercise the first 3 days of our period. (Several forms of yoga ascribe to this belief, and I don't know if it's based on western medicine's view of our physiology or if it's based on a more eastern philosophy pertaining to energy systems).

I know women who exercise just as hard, before, during and after.

I know women who don't. I know women who CAN'T.

So far the only thing I am sure of is the spike we tend to get AFTER our period, when our strength returns, often multi-fold. That much can at least be agreed upon.

Do you gut it out, are you not affected, do you modify what you do,...? Does it feel more like a total body involvement (tired, moody, irritable, not motivated?) or like physical difficulties (pain, cramps, back, discomfort?)

Finally,...has IT changed (ie: how and what you do with your training and exercise) the longer you've been exercising, or the older you get? (I'm sure some is body, some is attitude)....

Feedback anyone?

Merrida · 19-Jul-03, 01:18 PM

PS: I think what spurred this post was when I was listening to a physician on a talk radio program who said there is no scientific evidence that PMS is real or exists.

**Lady C** · 19-Jul-03, 02:03 PM

I used to get bad cramps years ago when I did not workout on a regular basis. Now, it comes and goes, but usually I have no issues. My worst problem is I get cravings for chocolate cake or other bad carbs a few days before. Resisting the cravings is the hardest part.

Rainheart · 19-Jul-03, 08:20 PM

I have only been working out sense January of this year but during this process i've difinately noticed that just before the period i'm weaker; can't preform as well, the weight seems heavier, and my get up and go seems to have got up and went LOL I decided one day just to check the calander to see if that was the problem as i've had pms for many years and sure enough it was right on track...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrida

Do you train the same when you're on your period?

I swear I have heard just about every "version" out there covering both ends of the spectrum and all in between, about both PMS and our periods.

Some believe exercise will help reduce cramps and pain. (I think I've usually heard that from interviews with professional athletes, so is it TV fan hype or is it their very high activity level in general?)

Some believe we should refrain from (or at least drastically reduce) exercise the first 3 days of our period. (Several forms of yoga ascribe to this belief, and I don't know if it's based on western medicine's view of our physiology or if it's based on a more eastern philosophy pertaining to energy systems).

I know women who exercise just as hard, before, during and after.

I know women who don't. I know women who CAN'T.

So far the only thing I am sure of is the spike we tend to get AFTER our period, when our strength returns, often multi-fold. That much can at least be agreed upon.

Do you gut it out, are you not affected, do you modify what you do,...? Does it feel more like a total body involvement (tired, moody, irritable, not motivated?) or like physical difficulties (pain, cramps, back, discomfort?)

Finally,...has IT changed (ie: how and what you do with your training and exercise) the longer you've been exercising, or the older you get? (I'm sure some is body, some is attitude)....

Feedback anyone?

Kitara · 19-Jul-03, 08:21 PM

Disclaimer: This has no scientific backing whatsoever

.

I get lazier during my period. I "forget" to do my cardio and my diet slacks off a bit. I still GO to the gym, but sometimes I don't finish my routine. It's like the energy has whooshed out of me. I get cranky and I just don't feel like doing anything. That's actually the 2-3 days before my period. Once the first day of my period is over it gets better and by the second or third day it's business as usual.

I had BAD cramps before I had my son. I couldn't exercise even though doctors (usually MEN) said I should exercise to relieve my cramps. I tried that, but it was just so so so hard to get motivated to exercise through the pain. That was 3 years ago and since my son was born my cramps have almost gotten to the point where I can ignore them. I still get them every so often, but not even close to what they were before my child was born.

Un F A T · 19-Jul-03, 08:54 PM

this is what i get for looking at the thread "question for women" and hoping it was something else...lol

Timbers · 19-Jul-03, 09:12 PM

For me, that's bull caca. I don't hurt every month, but when I am having a rough time I find that exercise makes me feel even sicker.
I've passed out before when I tried to exercise and was on a bad cycle.

When I'm having a rough cycle I can not gut it out or I will get really ill as in passing out, pain that I relate to childbirth, nasuea and worse.

Every month is truely different for me. There are times when I just don't have the energy nor do I feel well enough to even go walking, much less anything more strenuous. I feel tired.

I'm 34 (as of last Feb,) and my cycles have eased up a lot compared to my 20's. Or, maybe having a couple of kids has increased my pain tolerance.

Most importantly, every woman is different when it comes to this. There is SO much involved, individually, you know. My mom said childbirth to her was not bad at all, no more worse than a period as far as the pain of labor.

I beg to differ! What I do hate is when women that have a easy time with cycles (no pain, cramps) expect all other women to be the same, and when it's made know that one is suffering, they balk at her.

Almost like when my gym teacher told us girls that we'd feel better if we exercised. Maybe I'm the only exception to that rule out of all the women in the world. :confused:

Good topic!

Timbers · 19-Jul-03, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Merrida

PS: I think what spurred this post was when I was listening to a physician on a talk radio program who said there is no scientific evidence that PMS is real or exists.

He/she needs to talk to my husband

He knows when it's about that time and most importantly he doesn't ask, "Are you about to start your period?" That's just not a good question to ask. If you think it in your mind, guys, then just keep the question to yourself and assume the lady is having some pms.

Karl · 19-Jul-03, 09:39 PM

This is something you can get your husband/boyfried to help with cramps, now how do i know this well, its a long story but i just do. When you are having bad cramp lay on your stomach, have your husband/boy friend feel on the lower lieft side of your back. This will take some searching but you will feel a hard area some what sticking up, have them massage this and it will help get rid of the cramps. Not really part of the topic but it may help.

**cursor** · 19-Jul-03, 09:43 PM

Merrida: Were you listening to "Digitally Restored Medical Opinions from the Middle Ages?" Who IS this "doctor?"

Timbers · 19-Jul-03, 10:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Karl

This is something you can get your husband/boyfried to help with cramps, now how do i know this well, its a long story but i just do. When you are having bad cramp lay on your stomach, have your husband/boy friend feel on the lower lieft side of your back. This will take some searching but you will feel a hard area some what sticking up, have them massage this and it will help get rid of the cramps. Not really part of the topic but it may help.

Thanks for that recommendation!

Merrida · 19-Jul-03, 10:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cursor

Merrida: Were you listening to "Digitally Restored Medical Opinions from the Middle Ages?" Who IS this "doctor?"

Ha! One might think so, eh?

Actually it was Dr. Dean Edel (I may have spelled that wrong).

"Most" of the time, I actually really enjoy his program, and I think that he's got a pretty open mind about nutrition, exercise, personal freedoms,....he's big on how people are abusing the system by trying to sue fast food companies for making us fat,...he preaches moderation and responsibility,...he happens to be anti-vitamin/supplement "usually" for the most part, but also thinks that sometimes people just try to make things more complicated than they need to be....

I've learned a lot of nifty stuff from listening to him, and while I'm trying not to fall into the trap of: believe what I like, and disbelieve what I don't want to like or believe,..... (I do try to keep an open mind)....

But when he made that comment about PMS never scientifically being proven I wanted to give him a smack upside the head....or a week's free room and board with me for that one special time of the month.

Usually my Husband knows when I'm getting close, before I do...he seems more aware of the subtle changes (before the bigger changes approach),...and he's always right! He's better than if I tried to keep a calendar!

But he DID make a similar comment, and I heard it on his show which was broadcast, I'd say,.....maybe within the last 2-3 weeks or so.

If he ever re-worded it or changed his opinion or modified his stance, (which could be possible), I never heard it.....

rita · 21-Jul-03, 12:51 AM

i find it is usully harder to train 2 to 5 days before because of cravings, and pms( which my husband will defiantly say does exist). sorry for the image people but what about flow? i know of a few friends in high school who were really into athletics (state level) and never even seen theirs until at least 16/17 yrs, and some women actually go from heavy to light flow after taking up regular exercise routines. any other view points on this.

Timbers · 21-Jul-03, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rita

i find it is usully harder to train 2 to 5 days before because of cravings, and pms( which my husband will defiantly say does exist). sorry for the image people but what about flow? i know of a few friends in high school who were really into athletics (state level) and never even seen theirs until at least 16/17 yrs, and some women actually go from heavy to light flow after taking up regular exercise routines. any other view points on this.

I'd say a slightly lighter flow after some months of consistant working out.

lori501blu · 21-Jul-03, 11:28 AM

i workout just the same, before, during and after. I feel horrible if I don't workout during my period. I think it helps me with cramps, achyness, etc.