Working out in harmony with your cycle

Some days just feel a bit harder than others right?

This is me. Post run. Bearly breathing . A week ago I’d have had a massive smile on my face.

So what’s to blame? I ate well, drank well and a good nights sleep. Pesky hormones of course!

We all know hormones can have a massive impact on our mood, our behaviour and how we feel. But did you know it can also effect your readiness and ability to exercise? Some of you won't have your periods back yet but for those of you back into a regular cycle, have you noticed that some days just feel a little easier than others? Now of course sleep and general life will have an effect too but some weeks you might feel like an absolute bad ass super strong weight lifter; other weeks its a struggle to run to the end of the hall.

Fluctuating levels of hormones throughout your cycle can be partly to blame. Increases in Oestrogen and testosterone can increase energy levels and may help with strength training and recovery. At other points, where hormones are at their lowest levels, lighter workouts may be more beneficial. Every one is different but generally, during pre ovulation and ovulation (Spring and Summer), this is where you can go harder, lift heavier, go a little faster. Just before your period and during (Autumn and Winter), maybe take it a little steadier. Maintain fitness and keep things ticking over.

Tracking your periods and starting to record how you feel can be an amazing source of data to help not just with your exercise and fitness but with your emotions, feelings, and resilience too. I would really recommend a read of Period Power by Maisie Hill and tracking your periods on something like a Garmin or App. Wild AI is a great one.

Knowledge is power right? And knowledge about our own bodies and cycles can be transformative.

Check out this photo from the amazing @springphysio for a perfect illustration of what i’m talking about!