Do you ever notice that sports sometimes go a little less well than at other times? It may well be that your cycle influences your workouts. This is completely normal, but sometimes annoying. This is how you can make your workouts fit your cycle.
Plan your rest days strategically
Rest days are extremely important for all of us. These are the days when your body gets a chance to recover from all the hard training you’ve done. If you know when your period is due, it is wise to schedule your rest days when this will happen. This way you will save yourself from a lot of pain during the first one or two days of your period. Also remember that you shouldn’t force yourself to exercise if you really can’t!
Don’t be too hard on yourself during your period
Do you exercise during your period? Then don’t expect to be able to do the same as during the rest of your cycle. You’re probably a little weaker now and that’s okay. Can you now lift fewer kilos than normal? Then don’t be angry with yourself. It’s normal and your body is doing its best!
Do gentler workouts during your period
Do you suffer from a lot of pain in your body during your period? Then take your workouts a little more slowly. For example, go for a long walk, yoga or pilates. This way you still get some exercise, but you don’t push your body to the limit. When you are in pain, you can be kind to yourself (and if you are not in pain, of course).
Build up the intensity of your workouts immediately after your period
Are you no longer having your period? Then you can start building up the intensity of your workouts again. Your body is still not quite what it was before your period, so don’t expect to be able to tackle your most intense workouts right away. Your hormones are not quite where they should be yet. So build up the intensity slowly and steadily so that you are ready to hit the ground running as soon as you enter the next phase of your cycle.
Go for the toughest workouts during ovulation
Okay, during ovulation it’s really time to go hard. Now you have the most energy, so it’s best to schedule your toughest workouts now. Go for a heavy strength training session or a boot camp.
