Experts recommend period tracking to optimize your workouts.
I tried it for a monthand here’s what happened.
Initially, I thought it was just another nonsense wellness trend and kept it moving.
Kathleen L. Davenport, MD, is a sports medicine physiatrist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in Florida.
), I decided to pay more attention.
According to Dr. Davenport, the follicular phase technically begins on the first day of your period.
Amy West, MD, EdM, is a sports physician, assistant professor of orthopedics and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Hofstra School of Medicine.
This is the time to take advantage of high-intensity and resistance workouts.
This phase usually occurs from about day 11 to day 21 of your cycle.
When it starts is when we see the progesterone levels really escalate, adds Dr. West.
Those levels will decrease right before menstruation as the uterine lining is building up.
This is when your uterine lining starts to shed, explains Dr. West.
As far as activity is concerned, during menstruation, really whats important is to keep moving.
Some activity is better than none, says Dr. West.
That movement can help combat symptoms like cramping.
During the week of my competition, I felt tired because I wasnt getting enough sleep.
Amy West, MD, EdM, is a sports physician, assistant professor of orthopedics and physical medicine and rehabilitation at Hofstra School of Medicine.
But I was tapering my training (aka bringing down the volume), so that definitely felt good.
I pushed my body to the maxand I felt great.
During the follicular phase, I felt good, and got back into my typical sprinting and strength routine.
But I didnt really tweak my training because it often consists of high-intensity speed and strength work.
Overall, the greatest benefit was simply being more mindful of my body.
The more this area is researched, the more information well be able to put to use.
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