all 9 comments

[–]Innisfree[S] 9 insightful - 1 fun9 insightful - 0 fun10 insightful - 1 fun -  (4 children)

The recent great posts about exercise and periods brought this topic to my mind. I grew up at a time when women's health wasn't discussed except in the context of pregnancy and birth, so I kind of missed out on period education so this post is more for people who for one reason or another also were not exposed to it.

I wish i knew this when I tried boxing and couldn't quite keep up - i was doing everything wrong and trying to keep pace with 'the boys' :)

[–][deleted] 7 insightful - 1 fun7 insightful - 0 fun8 insightful - 1 fun -  (3 children)

I have nearly injured myself dead-lifting too heavy at certain times of the month when the tendons and whatnot are more elastic. The hormonal cycle and it’s impact on women athletes is not often discussed. It’s good to post this

[–]Innisfree[S] 5 insightful - 1 fun5 insightful - 0 fun6 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Deadlifting is serious stuff. Apropo to that and I think we all like hearing good news - I have noticed a trend (at least in the UK) of women doing more physically intensive sports.

I follow quite a few journalists, writers on Twitter and it was like a beautiful craze :), within a year most of them started doing weightlifting, kickboxing, boxing, Iron Man marathons. And in between this and jobs they tweet about their husbands taking care of the kids. We love to see it!

I just wish this wasn't only available to middle and upper-middle class, but it has to start somewhere.

[–]ghostraider 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

I find hard to believe that was because of that time of the month as opposed to wrong preparation for the lift or a mix up in weights. I think most of these articles are mostly bullshit and a slight adjustment in weights and repetitions depending on your energy levels is more than enough (and doesn't even have to be because of the cycle).

[–][deleted] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Whatever works for you

[–]southpaw 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

For the visual learners:

https://www.storm-fitness.com/blog/training-around-menstrual-cycle/

Thanks for this post. I really struggled with my period. Once I realized how to work with it (not against) I really started to see some gains. If anyone has more resources please message me. My period still messes up my work out routine and I need all the help I can get 😀

[–]Innisfree[S] 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

Oh this a great resource. Bookmarked :) Thank you.

[–]yayblueberries 3 insightful - 1 fun3 insightful - 0 fun4 insightful - 1 fun -  (1 child)

Thanks for this! I tend to feel rather guilty for laying off heavier exercising (I like high intensity, sweaty hiking) during my period, but I never really feel up to it during that time, and it isn't just because I'm bleeding. Now at least I understand the slump. And this will help me plan when I should do those longer hikes for maximum benefit!

[–]Innisfree[S] 2 insightful - 1 fun2 insightful - 0 fun3 insightful - 1 fun -  (0 children)

I tend to feel rather guilty for laying off heavier exercising

Same. Its nice to know when it is us and when it is our bodies refusing to cooperate :).