How exercise can be used as a tool to support your monthly cycle.
Your period and cycle should come and go with minimal interference with life. If you find yourself suffering from severe PMS, heavy bleeding, breakouts, bad cramps or intense mood swings its time to start finding what the root cause may be and start balancing this out.
Did you know that you can support your cycle with exercise?
Different exercise styles and intensity can help you be your best at each phase of your cycle.
Learn to support your body rather than working against it.
If you check back in the blog posts you’ll see some posts on the cycle, explaining each phase.
So let’s look into how you can support your biology with exercise.
Phase 1 – Menstruation
3 – 7 days
During this phase its best to focus on rest, if you need a nap – go for it. Especially in the beginning of the phase, honor how you are feeling, closer to the end of this phase, as your energy rises focus on lighter movements, go for walks, do some restorative yin yoga and pilates.
Phase 2 – Follicular phase
7 – 10 days
During this phase your body is preparing for an egg to be fertilized. You have more energy as your estrogen rises so you can up your endurance exercise and get a bit more sweaty. Pilates, hypertrophy resistance training and longer runs should feel good here.
Phase 3 – Ovulation
3 – 5 days
The main event. Estrogen is high and testosterone surges. You should feel energized and strong. You have the energy to burn. Your able to do more and feel great after doing it. Increase the intensity and throw in some high intensity interval training, Tempo runs and challenging hikes will be great here.
Phase 4 – Luteal phase
10 – 14 days
You have energy at the start of this phase. Make the most of it. Enjoy slow strength training and intense yoga or pilates.
Going into mid luteal phase your energy may start to decline, honour your body here and listen to it, scale back and focus on lighter activities like slow runs, walking, yoga and pilates should support you well.
If your a bit confused be sure to check out my previous posts on the cycle.
If your needing more info or want to get to the root cause of your symptoms, reach out.
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