Ladies, what is your favorite workout for that time of the month?

[fr0zen]

I have always had nasty cramps. I got an IUD and it really reduced them, but for some reason the past two months have been pretty rough the first day or two. I did my regular workout this morning (Cathe's SJP), but now that the late afternoon has hit the cramps have too.

I was thinking of trying some yoga or tai chi this evening or maybe Karen Voight's Pure and Simple Stretch.

What workouts have you found thatmake you feel better?

[ladmin]

My favorite for TTOTM is Shiva Rea Yoga Sanctuary. Her voice is so soothing and nurturing it helps tremendously. I also like Karen Voight's pm workout (kind of an abs/yoga mix) from Streamline fitness. Believe it or not, Callanetics is great too.u a

I find it necessary to be much gentler with myself and not push myself so hard.

Good luck!

Kay

[Helen S]

I don't change my workouts during that time. However, I remember reading something in a magazine a long time ago stating that if you do ab work when you have cramps, it will actually lesson the pain of your cramps. So you might want to try that.

I do have lazy days where I don't want to work out. When I have those kinds of days, then I would reach for something that is dancey and fun. Something like the Beach Body Yoga Booty Ballet Advanced.

Helen

[Thenu]

I actually walk and do less intense workouts for that time of month. One of my yoga teachers in India advised me not to do yoga TTOM.. I couldnt figure out why so just ignored that advise and tried yoga ..but had severe cramps ..so I stopped doing yoga TTOM...

[antbuko]

When I have severe cramps, I have to lie down until they pass. Luckily I don't have these too often. The cramps I get more frequently are more bearable and when I have these I don't change my routine. Of course, any time during the month, if I'm feeling worn down I'll either take a rest day or do a shorter and less intense cardio workout.

I don't mean to be a pill pusher, but my niece has been having severe cramps for the past few months. They were so bad, they made her ill. She took a prescription pain reliever this month and she said she felt better within ten minutes. Something to consider if things get really tough. Why suffer?

[Joe]

During that time of the month it's almost impossible for me to exercise so I go for a walk during my lunch breaks. My gf goes into "nurture me" mode. I should just hand her a bell so that she can ring it whenever she needs something. That way she won't have to shout down the hall.

[HOTCHICK]

Hi Frozen,

My favorite workouts for the time of the month, are usually anything that is easier than Cathe .
I tend to do,

Kari anderson danceworks
Karen voight streamline fitness/strong moves dvd
Half & Half
Silk Manning aeropump/kick dvd
Jenifer kries dance to fitness
Billy blanks live series basic kickboxing
brazillian dance workout
crunch cardio salsa

I favor any short easier workouts, anything that I can mix and match from one dvd, lots of pilates, dance and short easy kickbox workouts. I dont have the attention span or energy for Cathe, Mindy or anything really high intensity or impact.
The workouts above are my favorites for Totm,I am also partial to a bit of ballet too (NYCB or Ballet bootcamp).
I also find that exercising regularly, but lightly through totm helps my cramps.

Hotchick

[isa]

The first two days I do gentle yoga practices:
Karen Voight- Yoga Stretch, Rainbeau Mars- Pure Tranquility, Yoga Zone- Conditioning and Stress Release or Flexibility and Stress Release, Shiva Rea- one of her lunar yoga practices.

Or Bar Method/ Crunch Pilates.

I also like Kimberly Spreen´s Go With The Flow workout or light cardio.

[rhbrand]

DOes sitting on the couch eating chocolate count?

Actually, I like to do things that are active without it being a real workout. Like DDR, or talking a long walk. Or playing frizbee outside with my kids. Something like that.
I usuallly don't have the energy for a real workout, but I can do those things for that one day.

[Debbie M]

Originally Posted by Joe

During that time of the month it's almost impossible for me to exercise so I go for a walk during my lunch breaks. My gf goes into "nurture me" mode. I should just hand her a bell so that she can ring it whenever she needs something. That way she won't have to shout down the hall.

Do you have a brother? LOL

I can arrange to have the bell option already included!

My TTOTM workout for cramps:

1) Warm up my Origins Ginger Wrap in the microwave.......place on lower abdomen.

2) Curl up with said warm ginger wrap, a good book (fitness of course!) and a box of Godiva truffles.



Deb