Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Menstrual Cycle and Exercise: Sync Training for Better Energy, Strength & Recovery
Your hormones shift throughout the month, and so should your workouts.
Energy
Written by
Mito Team
Have you ever noticed how your energy, motivation, and performance can change during the month? Your menstrual cycle could be the reason.
Cycle syncing is a method of tailoring your workouts and recovery to the four phases of your cycle—and it’s gaining popularity for good reason. It's not just about hormones. It’s about working with your body, not against it.
Menstrual Cycle: The Four Phases
Your menstrual cycle has four distinct phases:
Menstrual (Days 1 to 5): Estrogen and progesterone are low. You may feel fatigued or crampy.
Follicular (Days 1 to 13): Estrogen rises, boosting energy, mood, and strength.
Ovulatory (Days 14to 16): Hormones peak. You’re likely to feel strong, sharp, and motivated.
Luteal (Days 15 to 28): Progesterone climbs, then falls. Energy can dip, and PMS symptoms may show up.
How Your Hormones Affect Performance
For women, these hormones have a direct effect on how the body builds muscle, uses energy, and recovers:
Estrogen: Helps with strength and endurance.
Progesterone: Raises body temperature and slows recovery.
Testosterone: Supports power, confidence, and drive.
These shifts don’t mean you have to completely change your routine every week. Just aligning your workouts with your cycle can make training feel more natural and sustainable. This is especially helpful for anyone making a menstrual cycle workout plan or trying to find the best workouts during ovulation or in the luteal phase.
You also don’t want to train too intensely without recovery, especially when your hormone levels are fluctuating. Low testosterone and overtraining are real risks for women, too.
Your Cycle-Synced Training Plan
1. Menstrual Phase
You may feel low energy, sore, or moody. Working out on your period or even just moving gently can help with cramps, mood, and circulation. If you’re wondering what workouts to do on your period, the key is to stay light and restorative.
So, focus on gentle movement, stretching, walking, yin yoga, and Pilates. This is the time to keep intensity low. For your nutrition, eat iron-rich foods, omega-3s, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
2. Follicular Phase
Energy starts to rise, so you feel sharper, stronger. This is the ideal window for a high-energy follicular phase workout. Focus on strength training, HIIT, speed drills, and long cardio sessions. It's also a great time to make progress on strength goals.
Combine that exercise plan with meals rich in lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and vegetables.
3. Ovulatory Phase
This is the peak performance window when your confidence and coordination are high. Use this time for your most intense sessions. Many women report thriving with ovulation workouts that push their limits.
So, set your personal records at the gym and do explosive training like sprints, lifts, and plyometrics. Try competitive sports or challenging endurance sessions. For nutrition, take light energizing meals with antioxidants, folate, and Vitamin C.
4. Luteal Phase
Luteal phase exercise should focus on listening to your body. You might notice slower recovery or even loss of strength during your period or right before it, and that’s normal. Fatigue after exercise can also be more noticeable during this time due to hormonal shifts.
In this phase, focus on recovery, low-impact strength, light cardio, yoga, or Pilates. Adjust accordingly with luteal phase workouts that support, not drain, your system. Prioritize sleep, flexibility, and mental well-being, as you feed on more complex carbs, magnesium, B6, and hydration.
Want more cycle-friendly training strategies? Explore Mito Health’s insights on fitness and muscle.
On Strength, Endurance, and Gains
Many women notice they can lift heavier or run faster during the follicular and ovulatory phases. That’s because of the more efficient use of carbs and better neuromuscular response.
During the luteal phase, you might feel sluggish or weaker, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re losing progress. In fact, giving your body the rest it needs now sets you up for better results later.
If you’ve experienced a loss of strength during your period, know that it’s part of the natural cycle and temporary.
Injury Awareness: When to Be Careful
Estrogen spikes during ovulation, which can make your joints more flexible but also more likely to get injured, especially in the knees. Luteal phase changes can also affect balance and coordination.
It’s not about fear. It’s about awareness. Use these phases to double down on form, mobility, and prehab work.
How to Track Your Cycle
Use a period tracker app
Log daily mood, energy, and workouts in a journal
Track basal body temperature or use LH strips for more precision
Knowing your patterns helps you tune into your unique rhythm, which matters more than any textbook timeline. If your cycle becomes irregular or inconsistent, it may be a sign of hormonal imbalance or overtraining. Learn more about irregular periods after exercise and when to seek support.
Consider testing your hormone levels and energy metabolism to understand your body more deeply. Explore Mito Health biomarker testing.
Syncing Is Self-Care
Cycle syncing is about learning to train with your body instead of pushing against it. Training with your cycle helps you show up with more energy, fewer injuries, and a better connection to your body. Consistent movement and exercise, aligned with your cycle, may even support long-term health and aging.
Related Articles
The Perimenopause Playbook: Estradiol & Progesterone Revealed
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): What It Means for Hormone Balance, Energy & Health
Resources
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.654585
https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/apple-womens-health-study/study-updates/exploring-exercise-habits-by-menstrual-cycle-phase
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916245
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7497427
https://doi.org/10.36950/2023.2ciss026
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Menstrual Cycle and Exercise: Sync Training for Better Energy, Strength & Recovery
Your hormones shift throughout the month, and so should your workouts.
Energy
Written by
Mito Team
Have you ever noticed how your energy, motivation, and performance can change during the month? Your menstrual cycle could be the reason.
Cycle syncing is a method of tailoring your workouts and recovery to the four phases of your cycle—and it’s gaining popularity for good reason. It's not just about hormones. It’s about working with your body, not against it.
Menstrual Cycle: The Four Phases
Your menstrual cycle has four distinct phases:
Menstrual (Days 1 to 5): Estrogen and progesterone are low. You may feel fatigued or crampy.
Follicular (Days 1 to 13): Estrogen rises, boosting energy, mood, and strength.
Ovulatory (Days 14to 16): Hormones peak. You’re likely to feel strong, sharp, and motivated.
Luteal (Days 15 to 28): Progesterone climbs, then falls. Energy can dip, and PMS symptoms may show up.
How Your Hormones Affect Performance
For women, these hormones have a direct effect on how the body builds muscle, uses energy, and recovers:
Estrogen: Helps with strength and endurance.
Progesterone: Raises body temperature and slows recovery.
Testosterone: Supports power, confidence, and drive.
These shifts don’t mean you have to completely change your routine every week. Just aligning your workouts with your cycle can make training feel more natural and sustainable. This is especially helpful for anyone making a menstrual cycle workout plan or trying to find the best workouts during ovulation or in the luteal phase.
You also don’t want to train too intensely without recovery, especially when your hormone levels are fluctuating. Low testosterone and overtraining are real risks for women, too.
Your Cycle-Synced Training Plan
1. Menstrual Phase
You may feel low energy, sore, or moody. Working out on your period or even just moving gently can help with cramps, mood, and circulation. If you’re wondering what workouts to do on your period, the key is to stay light and restorative.
So, focus on gentle movement, stretching, walking, yin yoga, and Pilates. This is the time to keep intensity low. For your nutrition, eat iron-rich foods, omega-3s, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
2. Follicular Phase
Energy starts to rise, so you feel sharper, stronger. This is the ideal window for a high-energy follicular phase workout. Focus on strength training, HIIT, speed drills, and long cardio sessions. It's also a great time to make progress on strength goals.
Combine that exercise plan with meals rich in lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and vegetables.
3. Ovulatory Phase
This is the peak performance window when your confidence and coordination are high. Use this time for your most intense sessions. Many women report thriving with ovulation workouts that push their limits.
So, set your personal records at the gym and do explosive training like sprints, lifts, and plyometrics. Try competitive sports or challenging endurance sessions. For nutrition, take light energizing meals with antioxidants, folate, and Vitamin C.
4. Luteal Phase
Luteal phase exercise should focus on listening to your body. You might notice slower recovery or even loss of strength during your period or right before it, and that’s normal. Fatigue after exercise can also be more noticeable during this time due to hormonal shifts.
In this phase, focus on recovery, low-impact strength, light cardio, yoga, or Pilates. Adjust accordingly with luteal phase workouts that support, not drain, your system. Prioritize sleep, flexibility, and mental well-being, as you feed on more complex carbs, magnesium, B6, and hydration.
Want more cycle-friendly training strategies? Explore Mito Health’s insights on fitness and muscle.
On Strength, Endurance, and Gains
Many women notice they can lift heavier or run faster during the follicular and ovulatory phases. That’s because of the more efficient use of carbs and better neuromuscular response.
During the luteal phase, you might feel sluggish or weaker, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re losing progress. In fact, giving your body the rest it needs now sets you up for better results later.
If you’ve experienced a loss of strength during your period, know that it’s part of the natural cycle and temporary.
Injury Awareness: When to Be Careful
Estrogen spikes during ovulation, which can make your joints more flexible but also more likely to get injured, especially in the knees. Luteal phase changes can also affect balance and coordination.
It’s not about fear. It’s about awareness. Use these phases to double down on form, mobility, and prehab work.
How to Track Your Cycle
Use a period tracker app
Log daily mood, energy, and workouts in a journal
Track basal body temperature or use LH strips for more precision
Knowing your patterns helps you tune into your unique rhythm, which matters more than any textbook timeline. If your cycle becomes irregular or inconsistent, it may be a sign of hormonal imbalance or overtraining. Learn more about irregular periods after exercise and when to seek support.
Consider testing your hormone levels and energy metabolism to understand your body more deeply. Explore Mito Health biomarker testing.
Syncing Is Self-Care
Cycle syncing is about learning to train with your body instead of pushing against it. Training with your cycle helps you show up with more energy, fewer injuries, and a better connection to your body. Consistent movement and exercise, aligned with your cycle, may even support long-term health and aging.
Related Articles
The Perimenopause Playbook: Estradiol & Progesterone Revealed
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): What It Means for Hormone Balance, Energy & Health
Resources
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.654585
https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/apple-womens-health-study/study-updates/exploring-exercise-habits-by-menstrual-cycle-phase
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916245
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7497427
https://doi.org/10.36950/2023.2ciss026
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Menstrual Cycle and Exercise: Sync Training for Better Energy, Strength & Recovery
Your hormones shift throughout the month, and so should your workouts.
Energy
Written by
Mito Team
Have you ever noticed how your energy, motivation, and performance can change during the month? Your menstrual cycle could be the reason.
Cycle syncing is a method of tailoring your workouts and recovery to the four phases of your cycle—and it’s gaining popularity for good reason. It's not just about hormones. It’s about working with your body, not against it.
Menstrual Cycle: The Four Phases
Your menstrual cycle has four distinct phases:
Menstrual (Days 1 to 5): Estrogen and progesterone are low. You may feel fatigued or crampy.
Follicular (Days 1 to 13): Estrogen rises, boosting energy, mood, and strength.
Ovulatory (Days 14to 16): Hormones peak. You’re likely to feel strong, sharp, and motivated.
Luteal (Days 15 to 28): Progesterone climbs, then falls. Energy can dip, and PMS symptoms may show up.
How Your Hormones Affect Performance
For women, these hormones have a direct effect on how the body builds muscle, uses energy, and recovers:
Estrogen: Helps with strength and endurance.
Progesterone: Raises body temperature and slows recovery.
Testosterone: Supports power, confidence, and drive.
These shifts don’t mean you have to completely change your routine every week. Just aligning your workouts with your cycle can make training feel more natural and sustainable. This is especially helpful for anyone making a menstrual cycle workout plan or trying to find the best workouts during ovulation or in the luteal phase.
You also don’t want to train too intensely without recovery, especially when your hormone levels are fluctuating. Low testosterone and overtraining are real risks for women, too.
Your Cycle-Synced Training Plan
1. Menstrual Phase
You may feel low energy, sore, or moody. Working out on your period or even just moving gently can help with cramps, mood, and circulation. If you’re wondering what workouts to do on your period, the key is to stay light and restorative.
So, focus on gentle movement, stretching, walking, yin yoga, and Pilates. This is the time to keep intensity low. For your nutrition, eat iron-rich foods, omega-3s, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
2. Follicular Phase
Energy starts to rise, so you feel sharper, stronger. This is the ideal window for a high-energy follicular phase workout. Focus on strength training, HIIT, speed drills, and long cardio sessions. It's also a great time to make progress on strength goals.
Combine that exercise plan with meals rich in lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and vegetables.
3. Ovulatory Phase
This is the peak performance window when your confidence and coordination are high. Use this time for your most intense sessions. Many women report thriving with ovulation workouts that push their limits.
So, set your personal records at the gym and do explosive training like sprints, lifts, and plyometrics. Try competitive sports or challenging endurance sessions. For nutrition, take light energizing meals with antioxidants, folate, and Vitamin C.
4. Luteal Phase
Luteal phase exercise should focus on listening to your body. You might notice slower recovery or even loss of strength during your period or right before it, and that’s normal. Fatigue after exercise can also be more noticeable during this time due to hormonal shifts.
In this phase, focus on recovery, low-impact strength, light cardio, yoga, or Pilates. Adjust accordingly with luteal phase workouts that support, not drain, your system. Prioritize sleep, flexibility, and mental well-being, as you feed on more complex carbs, magnesium, B6, and hydration.
Want more cycle-friendly training strategies? Explore Mito Health’s insights on fitness and muscle.
On Strength, Endurance, and Gains
Many women notice they can lift heavier or run faster during the follicular and ovulatory phases. That’s because of the more efficient use of carbs and better neuromuscular response.
During the luteal phase, you might feel sluggish or weaker, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re losing progress. In fact, giving your body the rest it needs now sets you up for better results later.
If you’ve experienced a loss of strength during your period, know that it’s part of the natural cycle and temporary.
Injury Awareness: When to Be Careful
Estrogen spikes during ovulation, which can make your joints more flexible but also more likely to get injured, especially in the knees. Luteal phase changes can also affect balance and coordination.
It’s not about fear. It’s about awareness. Use these phases to double down on form, mobility, and prehab work.
How to Track Your Cycle
Use a period tracker app
Log daily mood, energy, and workouts in a journal
Track basal body temperature or use LH strips for more precision
Knowing your patterns helps you tune into your unique rhythm, which matters more than any textbook timeline. If your cycle becomes irregular or inconsistent, it may be a sign of hormonal imbalance or overtraining. Learn more about irregular periods after exercise and when to seek support.
Consider testing your hormone levels and energy metabolism to understand your body more deeply. Explore Mito Health biomarker testing.
Syncing Is Self-Care
Cycle syncing is about learning to train with your body instead of pushing against it. Training with your cycle helps you show up with more energy, fewer injuries, and a better connection to your body. Consistent movement and exercise, aligned with your cycle, may even support long-term health and aging.
Related Articles
The Perimenopause Playbook: Estradiol & Progesterone Revealed
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): What It Means for Hormone Balance, Energy & Health
Resources
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.654585
https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/apple-womens-health-study/study-updates/exploring-exercise-habits-by-menstrual-cycle-phase
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916245
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7497427
https://doi.org/10.36950/2023.2ciss026
Menstrual Cycle and Exercise: Sync Training for Better Energy, Strength & Recovery
Your hormones shift throughout the month, and so should your workouts.
Energy
Written by
Mito Team
Have you ever noticed how your energy, motivation, and performance can change during the month? Your menstrual cycle could be the reason.
Cycle syncing is a method of tailoring your workouts and recovery to the four phases of your cycle—and it’s gaining popularity for good reason. It's not just about hormones. It’s about working with your body, not against it.
Menstrual Cycle: The Four Phases
Your menstrual cycle has four distinct phases:
Menstrual (Days 1 to 5): Estrogen and progesterone are low. You may feel fatigued or crampy.
Follicular (Days 1 to 13): Estrogen rises, boosting energy, mood, and strength.
Ovulatory (Days 14to 16): Hormones peak. You’re likely to feel strong, sharp, and motivated.
Luteal (Days 15 to 28): Progesterone climbs, then falls. Energy can dip, and PMS symptoms may show up.
How Your Hormones Affect Performance
For women, these hormones have a direct effect on how the body builds muscle, uses energy, and recovers:
Estrogen: Helps with strength and endurance.
Progesterone: Raises body temperature and slows recovery.
Testosterone: Supports power, confidence, and drive.
These shifts don’t mean you have to completely change your routine every week. Just aligning your workouts with your cycle can make training feel more natural and sustainable. This is especially helpful for anyone making a menstrual cycle workout plan or trying to find the best workouts during ovulation or in the luteal phase.
You also don’t want to train too intensely without recovery, especially when your hormone levels are fluctuating. Low testosterone and overtraining are real risks for women, too.
Your Cycle-Synced Training Plan
1. Menstrual Phase
You may feel low energy, sore, or moody. Working out on your period or even just moving gently can help with cramps, mood, and circulation. If you’re wondering what workouts to do on your period, the key is to stay light and restorative.
So, focus on gentle movement, stretching, walking, yin yoga, and Pilates. This is the time to keep intensity low. For your nutrition, eat iron-rich foods, omega-3s, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
2. Follicular Phase
Energy starts to rise, so you feel sharper, stronger. This is the ideal window for a high-energy follicular phase workout. Focus on strength training, HIIT, speed drills, and long cardio sessions. It's also a great time to make progress on strength goals.
Combine that exercise plan with meals rich in lean protein, healthy fats, complex carbs, and vegetables.
3. Ovulatory Phase
This is the peak performance window when your confidence and coordination are high. Use this time for your most intense sessions. Many women report thriving with ovulation workouts that push their limits.
So, set your personal records at the gym and do explosive training like sprints, lifts, and plyometrics. Try competitive sports or challenging endurance sessions. For nutrition, take light energizing meals with antioxidants, folate, and Vitamin C.
4. Luteal Phase
Luteal phase exercise should focus on listening to your body. You might notice slower recovery or even loss of strength during your period or right before it, and that’s normal. Fatigue after exercise can also be more noticeable during this time due to hormonal shifts.
In this phase, focus on recovery, low-impact strength, light cardio, yoga, or Pilates. Adjust accordingly with luteal phase workouts that support, not drain, your system. Prioritize sleep, flexibility, and mental well-being, as you feed on more complex carbs, magnesium, B6, and hydration.
Want more cycle-friendly training strategies? Explore Mito Health’s insights on fitness and muscle.
On Strength, Endurance, and Gains
Many women notice they can lift heavier or run faster during the follicular and ovulatory phases. That’s because of the more efficient use of carbs and better neuromuscular response.
During the luteal phase, you might feel sluggish or weaker, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean you’re losing progress. In fact, giving your body the rest it needs now sets you up for better results later.
If you’ve experienced a loss of strength during your period, know that it’s part of the natural cycle and temporary.
Injury Awareness: When to Be Careful
Estrogen spikes during ovulation, which can make your joints more flexible but also more likely to get injured, especially in the knees. Luteal phase changes can also affect balance and coordination.
It’s not about fear. It’s about awareness. Use these phases to double down on form, mobility, and prehab work.
How to Track Your Cycle
Use a period tracker app
Log daily mood, energy, and workouts in a journal
Track basal body temperature or use LH strips for more precision
Knowing your patterns helps you tune into your unique rhythm, which matters more than any textbook timeline. If your cycle becomes irregular or inconsistent, it may be a sign of hormonal imbalance or overtraining. Learn more about irregular periods after exercise and when to seek support.
Consider testing your hormone levels and energy metabolism to understand your body more deeply. Explore Mito Health biomarker testing.
Syncing Is Self-Care
Cycle syncing is about learning to train with your body instead of pushing against it. Training with your cycle helps you show up with more energy, fewer injuries, and a better connection to your body. Consistent movement and exercise, aligned with your cycle, may even support long-term health and aging.
Related Articles
The Perimenopause Playbook: Estradiol & Progesterone Revealed
Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): What It Means for Hormone Balance, Energy & Health
Resources
https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/biology-of-the-female-reproductive-system/menstrual-cycle
http://dx.doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2021.654585
https://hsph.harvard.edu/research/apple-womens-health-study/study-updates/exploring-exercise-habits-by-menstrual-cycle-phase
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7916245
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7497427
https://doi.org/10.36950/2023.2ciss026
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Recently published
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
What's included
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
What's included
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
What's included
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching
What could cost you $15,000? $349 with Mito.
No hidden fees. No subscription traps. Just real care.
Core Test - Comprehensive lab test covering 100+ biomarkers
Clinician reviewed insights and action plan
1:1 consultation with a real clinician
Upload past lab reports for lifetime tracking
Dedicated 1:1 health coaching