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Exercising during your menstrual cycle
Effectively manage symptoms and bring your a-game!
It’s the week before your period, and the struggle is real. Your oestrogen and progesterone hormones are ramping up, and suddenly... you no longer feel like yourself.
Mood swings, tiredness, bloating and hunger pangs are making everything difficult, including your training. It’s not just your motivation that’s lacking, you also feel physically depleted.
.webp)
In order to understand the best way to exercise effectively during your menstrual cycle, you need to get to know your cycle.
Understanding your menstrual cycle
Although there isn’t a ‘typical’ menstrual cycle, we can break it down into two broad phases:
- The follicular stage (when your period starts until ovulation)
- The luteal phase (from ovulation until your next period starts)
During the follicular stage, your body produces more estrogen which may boost your energy levels and increase your stamina for exercise. When your body enters the luteal phase, you produce more progesterone so you may feel more tired and also warmer than usual.
In order to know exactly what works for you and your body, try tracking your period and your experiences with exercise during your cycle.
How to exercise during the different stages of your cycle
Everyone is different so it’s impossible to say exactly what you should or shouldn’t do. There’s also very little research done into the menstrual cycle’s role in athletic performance. With that being said, here are some very loose guidelines:
Follicular stage
- Use the extra energy for more high-intensity exercise, such as HIIT training, circuit training and strength training / weightlifting
Luteal phase
- Focus on lighter activities like yoga, pilates, walking and cycling to help reduce PMS symptoms
4 ways to manage menstrual cycle symptoms to boost exercise performance
Increase your electrolytes
If you have a big workout or competition during the PMS phase of your cycle, preloading your system with electrolytes will help.
Adding sodium-rich fluids the evening before will raise your blood plasma volume and V02 levels, leading to less cardiac effort and more aerobic power. This, in turn, makes it easier to cool down. Great options include chicken broth, miso soup, or a sports drink with high sodium.
Manage inflammation
What we eat impacts our body and well-being. If your body is inflamed due to poor nutrition, then it's very likely you will experience painful stomach cramps. The fix? A diet low in processed foods (vegetable oil, sugar, cheese bread) and high in omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish such as salmon, eggs, flax seeds, walnuts, spinach).
.webp)
If you hone in on your nutrition, especially 7 to 10 days before your period begins, you’ll notice a dramatic decrease in inflammation.
Supplements are another great option. Dr. Stacy Sims recommends taking 1 gram of Omega-3s, 45 milligrams of zinc, and 200 milligrams of magnesium in the evening. You can also add 80 milligrams of aspirin or white willow bark. These supplements will help decrease inflammation, bleeding and other PMS symptoms.
Increase your blood sugar levels
You burn more calories during your premenstrual phase, so it’s only natural your body keeps your hunger hormones working overtime. Instead of inhaling that XL pizza, increase your unprocessed carb intake during certain meals!
Use music to boost your mood
It's proven that music positively affects our performance. So, when you’re feeling lethargic, tell Alexa to play your favourite song to get you fired up and feeling happy! Get creative and make a go-to playlist. It really helps!
ENGINE
Bring the energy and a friend for a high-intensity, super fun partner workout! Expect cardio machines, bodyweight movements, plenty of sweat, and loads of laughs.
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we’re dialling in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities welcome!
HYROX - NO HYROX CLASS THIS WEEKEND
MOBILITY
Going super low this session, all about the ankle & feet, the role they play for stability. Of course, with whole body flows to finish it off.
PURE STRENGTH
Monday, we start the week with some heavy bench press pause bench press doubles and some AMRAP sets, followed by some push and pull accessory work. On Wednesday, we continue our deadlift and Box squat progressions.
WEIGHTLIFTING
In weightlifting this week, we are working on snatch. Drilling the positions and building to a heavy single power snatch. Finishing with some front squats.
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30 am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday -Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 6 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 4x.
Tuesday
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 1km repeats this week off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast. This week the tempo blocks will be 4 mins in duration with declining rest.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pulling work and tempo push-ups, followed by a push-pull run workout to get the heart rate up and the sweat beads flowing!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 6 - 8 8 6 6 4 4 Pendlay Rows
Rest 2 mins
EMOM x 6 - Min 1 - 10 Gorilla rows / Min 2 - 3-5 tempo push-ups @30X1
Conditioning:
For Time:
Olivara
21 pull-ups
21 KHSPU
Park run
15 pull-ups
15 KHSPU
Pool run
9 pull-ups
9 kHSPU
Tuesday:
We have some midline work, including GHD hip extensions, GHD sit-ups, and tuck hangs, followed by a longer workout that incorporates rowing and focuses on single-leg and core exercises.
Strength:
Every 75 sec x 16
M1 - 5-10 GHD sit-ups
M2 - 4/4 dual DB front rack step-ups
M3 - 5-10 GHD hip extension (weighted)
M4 - 20-30 sec Tuck/ L. Hang
Conditioning:
AMRAP 25
1500/1250m Row
20 DB Box Step overs
30 V UPS
Wednesday:
We have some heavy DB strict presses with high-rep RDLS, followed by a sandbag and erg interval workout.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3/3 SA seated DB strict press
Every 2:30 mins x 4 - 15 DB RDL @ 30x1
Conditioning:
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Ski
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Bike
Rest 2 mins
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Bike
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Ski
rest 2 mins
x2
Thursday:
On Thursday, we will be back squatting with some AMRAP sets, followed by a simple rope climb and KB swing couplet.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3 3 3 3 3 back squat
rest 2 mins
+
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 85%
rest 2 mins
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 75%
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
10 Russian KB swings
1 RC
20 Russian KB swings
1 RC
30 Russian KB swings
1 RC
Every new round increase the Rope Climbs by 1 Rep
Friday:
On Friday, we have a big team workout that's going to be epic! Rally your squad and get booked in!
Conditioning:
In teams of 4:
20KM C2 Bike
80 Wall Walks
Every 4mins, the whole team performs:
1 round of Cindy
5 Pull-ups
10 Push-ups
15 Air Squats
It’s the week before your period, and the struggle is real. Your oestrogen and progesterone hormones are ramping up, and suddenly... you no longer feel like yourself.
Mood swings, tiredness, bloating and hunger pangs are making everything difficult, including your training. It’s not just your motivation that’s lacking, you also feel physically depleted.
In order to understand the best way to exercise effectively during your menstrual cycle, you need to get to know your cycle.
Understanding your menstrual cycle
Although there isn’t a ‘typical’ menstrual cycle, we can break it down into two broad phases:
- The follicular stage (when your period starts until ovulation)
- The luteal phase (from ovulation until your next period starts)
During the follicular stage, your body produces more estrogen which may boost your energy levels and increase your stamina for exercise. When your body enters the luteal phase, you produce more progesterone so you may feel more tired and also warmer than usual.
In order to know exactly what works for you and your body, try tracking your period and your experiences with exercise during your cycle.
How to exercise during the different stages of your cycle
Everyone is different so it’s impossible to say exactly what you should or shouldn’t do. There’s also very little research done into the menstrual cycle’s role in athletic performance. With that being said, here are some very loose guidelines:
Follicular stage
- Use the extra energy for more high-intensity exercise, such as HIIT training, circuit training and strength training / weightlifting
Luteal phase
- Focus on lighter activities like yoga, pilates, walking and cycling to help reduce PMS symptoms
4 ways to manage menstrual cycle symptoms to boost exercise performance
Increase your electrolytes
If you have a big workout or competition during the PMS phase of your cycle, preloading your system with electrolytes will help.
Adding sodium-rich fluids the evening before will raise your blood plasma volume and V02 levels, leading to less cardiac effort and more aerobic power. This, in turn, makes it easier to cool down. Great options include chicken broth, miso soup, or a sports drink with high sodium.
Manage inflammation
What we eat impacts our body and well-being. If your body is inflamed due to poor nutrition, then it's very likely you will experience painful stomach cramps. The fix? A diet low in processed foods (vegetable oil, sugar, cheese bread) and high in omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish such as salmon, eggs, flax seeds, walnuts, spinach).
If you hone in on your nutrition, especially 7 to 10 days before your period begins, you’ll notice a dramatic decrease in inflammation.
Supplements are another great option. Dr. Stacy Sims recommends taking 1 gram of Omega-3s, 45 milligrams of zinc, and 200 milligrams of magnesium in the evening. You can also add 80 milligrams of aspirin or white willow bark. These supplements will help decrease inflammation, bleeding and other PMS symptoms.
Increase your blood sugar levels
You burn more calories during your premenstrual phase, so it’s only natural your body keeps your hunger hormones working overtime. Instead of inhaling that XL pizza, increase your unprocessed carb intake during certain meals!
Use music to boost your mood
It's proven that music positively affects our performance. So, when you’re feeling lethargic, tell Alexa to play your favourite song to get you fired up and feeling happy! Get creative and make a go-to playlist. It really helps!
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30 am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday -Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 6 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 4x.
Tuesday
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 1km repeats this week off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast. This week the tempo blocks will be 4 mins in duration with declining rest.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pulling work and tempo push-ups, followed by a push-pull run workout to get the heart rate up and the sweat beads flowing!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 6 - 8 8 6 6 4 4 Pendlay Rows
Rest 2 mins
EMOM x 6 - Min 1 - 10 Gorilla rows / Min 2 - 3-5 tempo push-ups @30X1
Conditioning:
For Time:
Olivara
21 pull-ups
21 KHSPU
Park run
15 pull-ups
15 KHSPU
Pool run
9 pull-ups
9 kHSPU
Tuesday:
We have some midline work, including GHD hip extensions, GHD sit-ups, and tuck hangs, followed by a longer workout that incorporates rowing and focuses on single-leg and core exercises.
Strength:
Every 75 sec x 16
M1 - 5-10 GHD sit-ups
M2 - 4/4 dual DB front rack step-ups
M3 - 5-10 GHD hip extension (weighted)
M4 - 20-30 sec Tuck/ L. Hang
Conditioning:
AMRAP 25
1500/1250m Row
20 DB Box Step overs
30 V UPS
Wednesday:
We have some heavy DB strict presses with high-rep RDLS, followed by a sandbag and erg interval workout.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3/3 SA seated DB strict press
Every 2:30 mins x 4 - 15 DB RDL @ 30x1
Conditioning:
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Ski
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Bike
Rest 2 mins
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Bike
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Ski
rest 2 mins
x2
Thursday:
On Thursday, we will be back squatting with some AMRAP sets, followed by a simple rope climb and KB swing couplet.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3 3 3 3 3 back squat
rest 2 mins
+
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 85%
rest 2 mins
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 75%
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
10 Russian KB swings
1 RC
20 Russian KB swings
1 RC
30 Russian KB swings
1 RC
Every new round increase the Rope Climbs by 1 Rep
Friday:
On Friday, we have a big team workout that's going to be epic! Rally your squad and get booked in!
Conditioning:
In teams of 4:
20KM C2 Bike
80 Wall Walks
Every 4mins, the whole team performs:
1 round of Cindy
5 Pull-ups
10 Push-ups
15 Air Squats
ENGINE
Bring the energy and a friend for a high-intensity, super fun partner workout! Expect cardio machines, bodyweight movements, plenty of sweat, and loads of laughs.
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we’re dialling in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities welcome!
HYROX - NO HYROX CLASS THIS WEEKEND
MOBILITY
Going super low this session, all about the ankle & feet, the role they play for stability. Of course, with whole body flows to finish it off.
PURE STRENGTH
Monday, we start the week with some heavy bench press pause bench press doubles and some AMRAP sets, followed by some push and pull accessory work. On Wednesday, we continue our deadlift and Box squat progressions.
WEIGHTLIFTING
In weightlifting this week, we are working on snatch. Drilling the positions and building to a heavy single power snatch. Finishing with some front squats.
It’s the week before your period, and the struggle is real. Your oestrogen and progesterone hormones are ramping up, and suddenly... you no longer feel like yourself.
Mood swings, tiredness, bloating and hunger pangs are making everything difficult, including your training. It’s not just your motivation that’s lacking, you also feel physically depleted.
In order to understand the best way to exercise effectively during your menstrual cycle, you need to get to know your cycle.
Understanding your menstrual cycle
Although there isn’t a ‘typical’ menstrual cycle, we can break it down into two broad phases:
- The follicular stage (when your period starts until ovulation)
- The luteal phase (from ovulation until your next period starts)
During the follicular stage, your body produces more estrogen which may boost your energy levels and increase your stamina for exercise. When your body enters the luteal phase, you produce more progesterone so you may feel more tired and also warmer than usual.
In order to know exactly what works for you and your body, try tracking your period and your experiences with exercise during your cycle.
How to exercise during the different stages of your cycle
Everyone is different so it’s impossible to say exactly what you should or shouldn’t do. There’s also very little research done into the menstrual cycle’s role in athletic performance. With that being said, here are some very loose guidelines:
Follicular stage
- Use the extra energy for more high-intensity exercise, such as HIIT training, circuit training and strength training / weightlifting
Luteal phase
- Focus on lighter activities like yoga, pilates, walking and cycling to help reduce PMS symptoms
4 ways to manage menstrual cycle symptoms to boost exercise performance
Increase your electrolytes
If you have a big workout or competition during the PMS phase of your cycle, preloading your system with electrolytes will help.
Adding sodium-rich fluids the evening before will raise your blood plasma volume and V02 levels, leading to less cardiac effort and more aerobic power. This, in turn, makes it easier to cool down. Great options include chicken broth, miso soup, or a sports drink with high sodium.
Manage inflammation
What we eat impacts our body and well-being. If your body is inflamed due to poor nutrition, then it's very likely you will experience painful stomach cramps. The fix? A diet low in processed foods (vegetable oil, sugar, cheese bread) and high in omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish such as salmon, eggs, flax seeds, walnuts, spinach).
If you hone in on your nutrition, especially 7 to 10 days before your period begins, you’ll notice a dramatic decrease in inflammation.
Supplements are another great option. Dr. Stacy Sims recommends taking 1 gram of Omega-3s, 45 milligrams of zinc, and 200 milligrams of magnesium in the evening. You can also add 80 milligrams of aspirin or white willow bark. These supplements will help decrease inflammation, bleeding and other PMS symptoms.
Increase your blood sugar levels
You burn more calories during your premenstrual phase, so it’s only natural your body keeps your hunger hormones working overtime. Instead of inhaling that XL pizza, increase your unprocessed carb intake during certain meals!
Use music to boost your mood
It's proven that music positively affects our performance. So, when you’re feeling lethargic, tell Alexa to play your favourite song to get you fired up and feeling happy! Get creative and make a go-to playlist. It really helps!
Monday
Time: 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Tempo
This week will be dialling into that Tempo effort (7/10 RPE) for 6 mins blocks. You will take a 3 min recovery after each block and repeat the sequence 4x.
Tuesday
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Session: Track Tuesday
This is your chance to run fast with the wider IFE community and coaches. This week we will be running 200s and 600s at 3km and 5km pace. We will help you identify the best pace group for your ability at the session.
Wednesday
Time: 5:59am & 5:59pm
Location: InnerFight
Session: LRC Intervals
Today we have intervals in the morning and evening. We will be running 1km repeats this week off a 2 min rest.
Friday
Time: 5:59am
Location: Common Grounds
Session: The Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast. This week the tempo blocks will be 4 mins in duration with declining rest.
Monday:
Starting the week with some pulling work and tempo push-ups, followed by a push-pull run workout to get the heart rate up and the sweat beads flowing!
Strength:
Every 90 sec x 6 - 8 8 6 6 4 4 Pendlay Rows
Rest 2 mins
EMOM x 6 - Min 1 - 10 Gorilla rows / Min 2 - 3-5 tempo push-ups @30X1
Conditioning:
For Time:
Olivara
21 pull-ups
21 KHSPU
Park run
15 pull-ups
15 KHSPU
Pool run
9 pull-ups
9 kHSPU
Tuesday:
We have some midline work, including GHD hip extensions, GHD sit-ups, and tuck hangs, followed by a longer workout that incorporates rowing and focuses on single-leg and core exercises.
Strength:
Every 75 sec x 16
M1 - 5-10 GHD sit-ups
M2 - 4/4 dual DB front rack step-ups
M3 - 5-10 GHD hip extension (weighted)
M4 - 20-30 sec Tuck/ L. Hang
Conditioning:
AMRAP 25
1500/1250m Row
20 DB Box Step overs
30 V UPS
Wednesday:
We have some heavy DB strict presses with high-rep RDLS, followed by a sandbag and erg interval workout.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3/3 SA seated DB strict press
Every 2:30 mins x 4 - 15 DB RDL @ 30x1
Conditioning:
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Ski
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Bike
Rest 2 mins
3 min window:
18/15 Cal Bike
12 Alt Sandbag shoulder to shoulder
AMRAP Cal Ski
rest 2 mins
x2
Thursday:
On Thursday, we will be back squatting with some AMRAP sets, followed by a simple rope climb and KB swing couplet.
Strength:
Every 2 mins x 5 - 3 3 3 3 3 back squat
rest 2 mins
+
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 85%
rest 2 mins
1 set - 1 min amrap @ 75%
Conditioning:
12min AMRAP
10 Russian KB swings
1 RC
20 Russian KB swings
1 RC
30 Russian KB swings
1 RC
Every new round increase the Rope Climbs by 1 Rep
Friday:
On Friday, we have a big team workout that's going to be epic! Rally your squad and get booked in!
Conditioning:
In teams of 4:
20KM C2 Bike
80 Wall Walks
Every 4mins, the whole team performs:
1 round of Cindy
5 Pull-ups
10 Push-ups
15 Air Squats
ENGINE
Bring the energy and a friend for a high-intensity, super fun partner workout! Expect cardio machines, bodyweight movements, plenty of sweat, and loads of laughs.
GYMNASTICS
Tuesday morning, we’re dialling in on toes-to-bar progressions, followed by capacity work. We’ll then round out the session with core and lat supersets to build strength and control.
Thursday evening, we’re going BIG on bar muscle-ups! Whether you're chasing your first rep or fine-tuning your technique for cleaner, stronger sets, we’ve got you covered with progressions, modifications, and strength drills to help you level up. As always, all abilities welcome!
HYROX - NO HYROX CLASS THIS WEEKEND
MOBILITY
Going super low this session, all about the ankle & feet, the role they play for stability. Of course, with whole body flows to finish it off.
PURE STRENGTH
Monday, we start the week with some heavy bench press pause bench press doubles and some AMRAP sets, followed by some push and pull accessory work. On Wednesday, we continue our deadlift and Box squat progressions.
WEIGHTLIFTING
In weightlifting this week, we are working on snatch. Drilling the positions and building to a heavy single power snatch. Finishing with some front squats.
Track Tuesday
Our weekly on track speed session! For any level of runner looking to build their run speed, threshold and Vo2max fitness and run with the best running community in Dubai.
Time: 05:59 am
Session Length: 1 hour
Location: Dubai Sports City Sports Park
Thursday - Endurance Strength
A strength class focused on key movements for endurance athletes to help avoid injury, build speed and develop strength.
Time: 06:30 am
Location: This is a paid class session at InnerFight HQ. If you're interested to join, email winning@innerfight.com
Friday -Coffee Run
Our weekly tempo run. Sessions are built on an RPE scale and accessible to all levels of runner. We start together, run hard then finish together and chat about it over a coffee and breakfast.
Brief time: 05:54 am
Start time: 05:59 am
Start Location: Common Grounds
Saturday - Long Ride
Our weekly endurance ride. This ride always begins with 18 - 20km at 30kph before a longer segment with various formats. Expect the main group to ride around 34kph, slower groups will break off and form. Anyone is welcome to join.
Time: 05:59 am
Location: Bottom of the Stick, Al Qudra.
It’s the week before your period, and the struggle is real. Your oestrogen and progesterone hormones are ramping up, and suddenly... you no longer feel like yourself.
Mood swings, tiredness, bloating and hunger pangs are making everything difficult, including your training. It’s not just your motivation that’s lacking, you also feel physically depleted.
In order to understand the best way to exercise effectively during your menstrual cycle, you need to get to know your cycle.
Understanding your menstrual cycle
Although there isn’t a ‘typical’ menstrual cycle, we can break it down into two broad phases:
- The follicular stage (when your period starts until ovulation)
- The luteal phase (from ovulation until your next period starts)
During the follicular stage, your body produces more estrogen which may boost your energy levels and increase your stamina for exercise. When your body enters the luteal phase, you produce more progesterone so you may feel more tired and also warmer than usual.
In order to know exactly what works for you and your body, try tracking your period and your experiences with exercise during your cycle.
How to exercise during the different stages of your cycle
Everyone is different so it’s impossible to say exactly what you should or shouldn’t do. There’s also very little research done into the menstrual cycle’s role in athletic performance. With that being said, here are some very loose guidelines:
Follicular stage
- Use the extra energy for more high-intensity exercise, such as HIIT training, circuit training and strength training / weightlifting
Luteal phase
- Focus on lighter activities like yoga, pilates, walking and cycling to help reduce PMS symptoms
4 ways to manage menstrual cycle symptoms to boost exercise performance
Increase your electrolytes
If you have a big workout or competition during the PMS phase of your cycle, preloading your system with electrolytes will help.
Adding sodium-rich fluids the evening before will raise your blood plasma volume and V02 levels, leading to less cardiac effort and more aerobic power. This, in turn, makes it easier to cool down. Great options include chicken broth, miso soup, or a sports drink with high sodium.
Manage inflammation
What we eat impacts our body and well-being. If your body is inflamed due to poor nutrition, then it's very likely you will experience painful stomach cramps. The fix? A diet low in processed foods (vegetable oil, sugar, cheese bread) and high in omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish such as salmon, eggs, flax seeds, walnuts, spinach).
If you hone in on your nutrition, especially 7 to 10 days before your period begins, you’ll notice a dramatic decrease in inflammation.
Supplements are another great option. Dr. Stacy Sims recommends taking 1 gram of Omega-3s, 45 milligrams of zinc, and 200 milligrams of magnesium in the evening. You can also add 80 milligrams of aspirin or white willow bark. These supplements will help decrease inflammation, bleeding and other PMS symptoms.
Increase your blood sugar levels
You burn more calories during your premenstrual phase, so it’s only natural your body keeps your hunger hormones working overtime. Instead of inhaling that XL pizza, increase your unprocessed carb intake during certain meals!
Use music to boost your mood
It's proven that music positively affects our performance. So, when you’re feeling lethargic, tell Alexa to play your favourite song to get you fired up and feeling happy! Get creative and make a go-to playlist. It really helps!
It’s the week before your period, and the struggle is real. Your oestrogen and progesterone hormones are ramping up, and suddenly... you no longer feel like yourself.
Mood swings, tiredness, bloating and hunger pangs are making everything difficult, including your training. It’s not just your motivation that’s lacking, you also feel physically depleted.
In order to understand the best way to exercise effectively during your menstrual cycle, you need to get to know your cycle.
Understanding your menstrual cycle
Although there isn’t a ‘typical’ menstrual cycle, we can break it down into two broad phases:
- The follicular stage (when your period starts until ovulation)
- The luteal phase (from ovulation until your next period starts)
During the follicular stage, your body produces more estrogen which may boost your energy levels and increase your stamina for exercise. When your body enters the luteal phase, you produce more progesterone so you may feel more tired and also warmer than usual.
In order to know exactly what works for you and your body, try tracking your period and your experiences with exercise during your cycle.
How to exercise during the different stages of your cycle
Everyone is different so it’s impossible to say exactly what you should or shouldn’t do. There’s also very little research done into the menstrual cycle’s role in athletic performance. With that being said, here are some very loose guidelines:
Follicular stage
- Use the extra energy for more high-intensity exercise, such as HIIT training, circuit training and strength training / weightlifting
Luteal phase
- Focus on lighter activities like yoga, pilates, walking and cycling to help reduce PMS symptoms
4 ways to manage menstrual cycle symptoms to boost exercise performance
Increase your electrolytes
If you have a big workout or competition during the PMS phase of your cycle, preloading your system with electrolytes will help.
Adding sodium-rich fluids the evening before will raise your blood plasma volume and V02 levels, leading to less cardiac effort and more aerobic power. This, in turn, makes it easier to cool down. Great options include chicken broth, miso soup, or a sports drink with high sodium.
Manage inflammation
What we eat impacts our body and well-being. If your body is inflamed due to poor nutrition, then it's very likely you will experience painful stomach cramps. The fix? A diet low in processed foods (vegetable oil, sugar, cheese bread) and high in omega-3 fatty acids (oily fish such as salmon, eggs, flax seeds, walnuts, spinach).
If you hone in on your nutrition, especially 7 to 10 days before your period begins, you’ll notice a dramatic decrease in inflammation.
Supplements are another great option. Dr. Stacy Sims recommends taking 1 gram of Omega-3s, 45 milligrams of zinc, and 200 milligrams of magnesium in the evening. You can also add 80 milligrams of aspirin or white willow bark. These supplements will help decrease inflammation, bleeding and other PMS symptoms.
Increase your blood sugar levels
You burn more calories during your premenstrual phase, so it’s only natural your body keeps your hunger hormones working overtime. Instead of inhaling that XL pizza, increase your unprocessed carb intake during certain meals!
Use music to boost your mood
It's proven that music positively affects our performance. So, when you’re feeling lethargic, tell Alexa to play your favourite song to get you fired up and feeling happy! Get creative and make a go-to playlist. It really helps!
One-Hour Workout: Revving Your Swim Engine
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