Single mom to 2 under 2 has a Ladies question...

    Hi there. I just started working out this past weekend. I want to go every day of the week if at least just for cardio because I have a lot of weight to lose.

I figured who would know better than my peers so here's my question:

Is it ok to work out during your monthly cycle? Should there be any restrictions I should follow?

Thanks so much for your help.

Absolutely!  I workout straight through it all.  It also helps stop lots of the PMS symptoms too...such as cramping, irritability, etc.  You'll feel better.  Trust me, it's OK to do that.  Even doctors will tell you that.  Mine did!

I always do and feel better for it, but getting motivated during those times is quite often a challenge.

Hats off to you by the way. I'm a single mother to 1 three year old and I feel like between him, the house work, and actual work I am always strapped for time. If you can make the time to work out everyday- that's great!!

Thanks. I am going through a divorce so I have a major drive to make myself look and feel better now.

I work full-time but fortunately most of it is from home, except for when I travel. When I am home, I drop the kids off at daycare then head straight to the gym by 7:30 AM. It makes my day go by faster and I just feel so invigorated when I leave all sweaty and sore.

I never thought I would ENJOY it as much as I do.

That's because you actually are having some time to yourself, for yourself!!
Good for you. The reason I'm in the shape I'm in is because of my divorce. I ate my way through the entire process from 118 all the way to 158. I wish I had been as disciplined as you seem to be. Congrats!!

Make sure you use good feminine hygeine products if you're working out that time of month!  I know I bleed more when I'm up and moving around than if I'm just sitting there doing nothing.

Yes do it... Work out. My work out helps flo right out the door..  Make sure you get some good hygeine products.. I bleed a lot more when i work out.. But that moving around helps get the heavy part of it over..

I've also been told by my yoga instructor not to do any inverted (i.e. pelvis higher than your head) positions during your cycle because it's anti-gravitational.  I don't know if that's medically proven or just her own theory, but I'm not that advanced anyway ;)

Thanks for the extra information. I can't go a day without the special hygeine products anways, in fact I found some new stuff called Beyond Fresh at Walmart! I LOVE IT!

sweatsocksandanipod...I love your name, thanks for the yoga tips. Right now I am not doing yoga but if and when I do I will remember that!

Anyways, I am looking forward to AF coming then...bring it on!

Yall have been a tremendous help. Thx.

Im gonna have to be different for a second lol

I dont workout during my period. I sometimes go for small, slow 15-20 minute walks, but I find that the movement causes even worse cramps for me. Im also generally way to lazy to even think about going to the gym!

Working out helps me in two ways during "that time". First it helps with the physical irritations (cramps, bloating, back aches, etc). Second, it helps with the mental aspect. I feel calmer after a workout (my PMS makes me temporarily insane :S ) because it is such a great stress reliever. It also helps with the cravings since cardio supresses my appetite. I couldn't imagine not working out during those days 'cause I think I'd explode!!!!!

Working out of the during the bad week is good for you... It helps for the heavy part of it to go away a lot quicker. Not only that. I notice that they last only 4 days and not the 6 that i normally have.

Man is it hard to get motivated during your period, but boy do I feel ten times better when im done! Working out during that special time actually relives my sypmtoms. I do avoid crunches and anything eles that lands me on my back, because of cramping. But other than that, i carry on as normal. Good luck to you and remember, theres always Midal!!!!

The only thing you're not supposed to do "then" is inverted yoga poses, b/c you want gravity to HELP you, not flow backwards!  Exercise is actually recommended, it will help ease cramping and can significantly alter your cycle pattern toward lighter bleeding, etc.  Don't be spooked if your cycle changes pretty dramatically when you start working out more often- you can be off by a week or two either way until your body settles in to the new routine.