Learn about menstrual cycle syncing workouts and consider whether they are a progressive boon or troubling step backward.

But what if our menstrual cycles were part of a way to enable some incredible things that wecando?

P.volve launched a menstrual-cycle-linked fitness regimen calledPhase & Functionin 2021.

alt

Insights are finding their way into the mainstream, too.

The trend may be a result of a confluence of factors.

I think its all about empowerment, Dr. Devore says.

Collage graphic of the best shoes for standing all day according to nurses, with the top pick being FIGS New Balance 3447 Zip shoes in gray, black, and white against a pink and orange background

board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and clinical assistant professor at the department of obstetrics and gynecology atNYU Grossman School of Medicine

Its the kind of thinking that could put us back into the 50s, she points out.

She has been studying and advising professional athletes on cycle syncing and exercise for the last 20 years.

Its a biological function, she says.

close up of person drinking a green smoothie that may cause their poop to be green

Why not look at it?

What are menstrual-cycle-syncing workouts?

How can hormones impact fitness?

alt

There are some easily understandable applications of menstrual cycle fitness syncing.

But it can get a lot more granular than that.

Dr. Forsyth works with teams throughout Europe who are beginning to implement different versions of the method.

cup of matcha green tea sitting on a wooden ledge

board-certified obstetrician-gynecologist and clinical assistant professor at the department of obstetrics and gynecology atNYU Grossman School of Medicine

), so this phase would be an ideal time for strength training.

Hormones also impact the way that we access our energy (food) stores.

Theres so much interesting research coming out and people looking at this, Yu says.

LOS ANGELES - FEB 10: Patrick Schwarzenegger at the White Lotus Season 3 Premiere at Paramount Studios on February 10, 2025 in Los Angeles, CA

But were kind of getting ahead of ourselves.

Ameta-analysisthat evaluated 51 studies was not able to conclude that the menstrual cycle has a demonstrable impact on performance.

But then other women have no symptoms at all and no changes.

Woman drinking a protein meal replacement shake in the kitchen

Its really seductive to think about our cycles as this crystal ball.

Thats true for everyday exercisers, and even athletes who themselves train on how to tune in.

But whose business is your period, anyway?

However, the push for menstrual cycle data in professional sports does not come without concern.

The dangers of feminine fitness

In September, a new womens lifestyle and subscription service called28launched.

What is that nature?

Evie has alsoeschewedboth the body positive movement and working out like men.

We are not just childbearing vessels, Dr. Pastides says.

It is absolutely essential research that we need to do, says Yu.

The caution that I have is around getting too prescriptive about it.

At least at this stage, the research doesnt quite support it.

Like our cycles and our hormones, what that looks like varies from person to person.

Thats a version of feminine fitness we can get behind.

Got it, you’ve been added to our email list.