Since I started listening to my body more, I decided to reduce my training during my period week and experiment with cycle syncing workouts. I used to think that if I didn’t work out for five days, it would be the end of the stupid little world. After all, there are only 30 days in a month. But working out every single day was actually causing problems with my cycle and leaving me more drained than strong.

For years, I didn’t really care about my cycle. I treated every day the same, believing that discipline meant showing up no matter what. But as I began paying more attention to how I actually felt, I realized that consistency doesn’t mean doing everything all the time — it means doing the right thing for the moment your body is in.

What I Learned About Cycle Syncing Workouts

That’s when I discovered cycle syncing workouts — the idea of adjusting your exercise intensity based on the different phases of your menstrual cycle. Instead of fighting your body’s natural rhythm, you work with it.

Here’s the general rhythm I’ve been following:

• Menstrual phase (Days 1–5): gentle movement, stretching, or rest.
• Follicular phase (Days 6–14): energy starts to rise — a great time to push harder, lift heavier, or try new challenges.
• Ovulatory phase (Days 15–17): your peak strength and endurance phase — ideal for high-intensity workouts.
• Luteal phase (Days 18–28): energy slowly declines — time to focus on lighter, more mindful movement and recovery.

Fueling Your Body Along the Cycle

Once I began applying cycle syncing workouts, I felt more connected to my body and less guilty about slowing down when I needed to. My workouts became smarter, not harder. But I also realized that exercise alone isn’t enough — nutrition plays a huge role in how we feel throughout the cycle.

• During your period: focus on iron-rich foods to replenish what you lose, like leafy greens, beans, lentils, or red meat if you eat it. Dark chocolate and nuts can help with energy and mood.
• After your period (follicular phase): your energy rises, so fuel your workouts with complex carbohydrates and lean protein — oatmeal, quinoa, eggs, chicken, or fish. These help your body recover and build strength.
• During ovulation: when endurance and strength peak, include healthy fats and antioxidant-rich foods to support energy and reduce inflammation — avocados, olive oil, berries, and salmon are great choices.
• During the luteal phase (before your next period): you may feel more sluggish or crave comfort foods. Focus on magnesium-rich foods and fiber to support digestion and mood — nuts, seeds, leafy greens, whole grains, and plenty of water.

By paying attention to both my exercise and my nutrition, I’ve learned to move and eat in harmony with my body, and it has made all the difference in how I feel. Combining these habits with cycle syncing workouts has become the key to feeling my best every day.

Learning to Rest Without Guilt

I tend to feel tired and sleepy during my period week, and before, I would push myself to work out anyway — just to stay awake or “prove” my dedication. Maybe my body was protesting in its own way. I’m so glad I stopped before that pattern broke me.

Exercise has always been my cure for almost everything, but I’m learning that too much of anything can cause harm. The real wisdom lies in balance. Allowing myself to rest according to my natural rhythm doesn’t make me lazy — it makes me sustainable.

Growth Through Balance

It takes time to find that balance. But life feels good when we can find harmony within ourselves and with the world around us. Not every task on my list was checked off this week, but my time and energy were well spent.

On my whiteboard next to my bed, I wrote:
“Cherish your time and energy.”

Sometimes I ask myself where that saved energy should go. The answer is simple — it should go into you.

We might feel like we’re using up all our time and energy, but if we spend them on things that make us happy, they’re never wasted. They’re burned to fuel our soul and body. Looking back, the changes I’ve made — listening to my body, respecting my cycle, and adjusting both my workouts and nutrition — have helped me grow stronger, healthier, and more aware. Embracing this rhythm fully has shown me the true power of cycle syncing workouts.

Thanks for reading! Happy new week 🙂