Hi ladies,

I have a question. What do you do in the early days of TOM to counteract low energy? Its day one for me and right now I am feeling totally wiped out. I would really like to go to the gym but I do not feel like I can make it. This always happens to me. I just wish I did not always feel this drained at this time.

When I'm feeling low-energy, I just break it down.

If I can't "handle" a work out, can I put on my tennis shoes and work out clothes? Yes.
If I'm IN the clothes, can I "handle" the drive to the gym? Yeah, ok.
So if I'm IN the clothes and AT the gym...how about just 10 minutes walking on the treadmill? that sounds easy enough...

And then, once I'm there, i find it way easier to work out just a little bit harder than I planned. Sure, its just a mind game I play with myself...but it helps

Well, I am a really heavy bleeder and am afraid to even leave the house on Day 2. I can't imagine trying to work out - the potential for a humiliating disaster is waaaay too high. I've learned better.

Why don't you give your body a break from the gym today? It obviously has enough to deal with. Maybe clean the kitchen or something instead? Sort through your clothes and bag up the too-bigs for Goodwill? Shop online for some killer shoes? Watch a chick flick? Listen to your body; it will tell you what it needs.

Hugs,
Robin

I take a break for the first couple days. Between the bloat, intense pain, bleeding like a stuck pig, and exhaustion, any work out feels like abuse. I do drink extra water and try to keep an eye on my calorie intake, though. Feel better soon!

Yeah, Day 2 for me is AWFUL, and I don't usually work out then, either. I think it's really ok to listen to your body.

Listening to your body is good. HOWEVER, I often feel about a million times better if I do something physical. Exercise helps with cramps and usually gives me more energy to get through the rest of my day.

I'm very much like Ducky...baby steps. Once I get started, it's usually enough to get me through something (but in the line of listening to my body, my intensity might be a bit less, and if I am 20 minutes in and feel like I'm just forcing myself still, I'll usually cut it short. That happens maybe once every 5 or 6 times I force myself...the rest of the time I feel almost immediately better and more energetic).

Thanks ladies. I did not go yesterday evening but I was at it early this morning and will be working out again this evening :-)

I think it's individual. Some people have to take break, others don't. Personally I get horrible cramps and bleed pretty heavy. But, like mandalinn said, I feel a hundred % better if I force myself to go to the gym or take a run. The cramps go away and I have lots of energy. So I always push through it. But there's nothing wrong if you need a break. You could always change your rest days for that week to coordinate.