Training during periods

[Sandra]

Hi,

My overall endurance isn't very good, but during my periods training is extra hard. I get dizzy and breathless and sometimes I almost faint. There are only two other women in our dojo and our sensei expects us to put in just as much effort as the men. I wouldn't want it any other way, but I wonder if there is anything I can do, eat or drink to make training during these days of the month a little easier?

[Nix]

Hello Sandra,

I'm afraid that question is a little out of my league, however I can inquire you to introduce yourself, as we are all dying to get to know you better.

~ Nix

[Sandra]

I've just put my dot on the map.

[Lucy]

Hi Sandra and welcome.

This is a good question. I feel very sensitive during 'the time' but i do find training helps! I normally dose up one some painkillers before i train, but i still have a gut ache

Fighting is completely out of the question for me when mother nature calls, one hit in the stomach and im down!

I know though that some women don't seem to have any problems and ive had this conversation with girls in the dojo before DKKC on the forums here is good to talk to, im sure she will make a good comment next time she's around

[StarKodama]

What an excellent thread! I almost always skip training on the first two days of mine, because I feel crappy. I don't really want to put on a white suit and do high kicks, you know?

[Lucy]

Yeah i know exactly what your saying StarKodama

[cochito]

Hi, Sandra
So sorry that this issue is out of my league like Nix said . But, I wish it were easier for us, men, to understand females-restricted health issue.
Good luck!

[seienchin]

A lot of women find that menstrual symptoms ease if they take a vitamin B supplement. Most particularly, B6 helps with the fluid retention that causes many of the symptoms.

Good old paracetamol is an under-rated remedy, but actually works very well, with minimal side-effects. 1g of paracetamol at least an hour before training should help too.

[Sandra]

Thanks for your replies!

During these days I'm usually a little irritable, so I like to let of some steam then. So I must feel really bad to skip practice over that.

I will try the vitamins! Hope it works!

[seienchin]

Please let us know if it helps!

[intwominds]

Originally Posted by StarKodama

What an excellent thread! I almost always skip training on the first two days of mine, because I feel crappy. I don't really want to put on a white suit and do high kicks, you know?

Yeah, totally agree StarKodama. Stomach cramps, lower back ache, sore glands and breasts, oh yay - that time of month again. Plus feeling really tired, but as others said vitamins do help a bit, I usually take a Berocca to help with that, and a magnesium supplement for cramping. A family member suffers from dizziness and his doctor said take a stick of licorice everyday, something in it is supposed to help. I haven't tried it though so can't vouch for its validity, but hey if you like licorice it can't hurt.

[Sandra]

Hi,

Licorice is a typical dutch treat. We call it drop. It can help if you have low blood pressure. It's the salt that helps the bloodpressure to get up in a healthy way. (Normal salt is bad for the kidneys.) I don't think it will help me.
But thanks anyway.

Btw: it does help against a sore throat.

[Dent]

Osu!

On a related note: This is one advantage for the full-time Dojo. I know of women (and men) from different places who are senior enough to have keys to their Dojo.

This way they can go in and get a little training on their own, when being part of a class can be difficult for them. Aside from extra training for competitions, I've also seen this as a way to rehab injuries, let off steam from work/ family related stress, and some of those women prefer to train alone during the time leading up to, and during their period.

(Several people may coincidentally be there at the same time, but each respects the others enough to give them their space. Ideally, this is what I would want for any Dojo of mine.)

Osu!

[DKKC]

Hi Sandra,

Well, I have to make an appearance after Lucy dropped my name in conversation, it would be rude not to! I have to say that I have never had any problems, my energy levels seem to be a little lower but not by much. Most of my gradings have been in a period day - I just got on with it.

I think Seienchin has nailed it - complex vitamin B - deals with the cramping and moodswings. Blood pressure also drops, so make sure you get a 'kick' (sugar, caffeine, etc. whatever works for you - it's not the same for everybody) and drink plenty of fluids.

During the training - know your limitations - if you need to focus on technique rather than stamina during these days, then so be it - hit the bag that little bit softer if that's what you need, but don't compromise on technique, if you fight, focus on defence rather than attack, move around, block, get out of the way, mess your opponent up - still learning, still working hard, but focusing on aspects that are less physical than usual, if that's what your body requires etc.

We are loosing a lot of vitamines and minerals during our periods as the blood is loaded with nutrients - we need to make sure we replace them asap - I naturally eat a lot more fruit during this time (waterry fruit like citrus and nectarines, melons, apples etc.) and fancy sweet drinks rather than water.

You need to try different approaches and see what works for you, I'm afraid!

Hope this helps!

[Kareyn]

OMG, I DUMP for two days and find myself having to start over after the week is over. I take HEMA-PLEX. Started noticing a big difference in three months. Iron, iron, iron.

[DKKC]

Originally Posted by Kareyn

OMG, I DUMP for two days and find myself having to start over after the week is over. I take HEMA-PLEX. Started noticing a big difference in three months. Iron, iron, iron.

That too - but I would link this with anemia - and although anemia is pretty common, it's not really a normal state to be in.

[aloha_girl]

osu!

In addition to taking supplements, there are food and nutritional choices that can help reduce the symptoms.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals. A lot of food causes blood sugar to rise and fluctuate. So, instead of eating three large meals, eat five or six small meals a day, each about two and a half hours apart.

Eating healthfully throughout the month will also help. I try to eat lots of veggies (green leafy), fruits, whole grains and lean proteins. It's amazing what a good diet will do to alleviate many aches and pains including cramps/bloating/irritability/fatigue during this time.

Reducing alcohol and caffeine intake, as well as salt intake also helps. I do my best to avoid sugary snacks and dairy a week or two before as well.

In a way, a woman's menstrual cycle is a time that the body is cleaning house (shedding unused body tissue), so it's a perfect time to do a short cleanse by eating healthy.

StarKodama, I totally agree about not wanting wear a white uniform and doing high kicks! However, sometimes we aren't so lucky and it's just a matter of time when a tournament or grading happens to land on that week. If you're already used to going to class in this 'state', it won't be a such a predicament if that happens.

Just a little trivia---in a study of Finnish female athletes at the Helsinki Olympic Games, five set personal bests while menstruating...working out and reproductive health

Given that our bodies are able to carry and subsequently deliver a life, it seems only natural that females are stronger, more focused, and able to accomplish great feats in and out of the dojo.

cheers,
tina

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by aloha_girl

Given that our bodies are able to carry and subsequently deliver a life, it seems only natural that females are stronger, more focused, and able to accomplish great feats in and out of the dojo.

If ever there was a gender slap-down heard around the world...

Osu!

[aloha_girl]

oops...

I'm not necessarily comparing women to men....

[Dent]

Osu!

Originally Posted by aloha_girl

oops...

I'm not necessarily comparing women to men....

Sure...... We believe you....... (Cower cower)

Osu!