April 16, 2023

Cycle Syncing 101: What is It & How to Start

Cycle Syncing 101: What is It & How to Start

I love being a woman, but it’s not without its challenges. One of those challenges I’ve been exposed to recently is women’s health. What started this journey was trying to lose the same 12 pounds for over 2 years. I’m someone who works out 5 days a week, I cook 90% of my meals at home and use 95% whole ingredients. I tried dieting, intense workout routines, detoxes and absolutely nothing worked. Over the summer, I read a book called Woman Code by Alisa Vitti, and it changed everything. I learned that my problems were something I never even considered: hormonal based.

This book opened up my eyes to a whole new world of health and wellness. I learned things about the female body that I didn’t know and it made me wonder, why wasn’t I ever taught about this in health class? I’m no expert, in fact I’m still learning how to navigate my cycle, but I’m here to point you to some of my favorite resources and expose you to the wonderful world of cycle syncing.

What is Cycle Syncing

Did you know that a woman’s “cycle” isn’t just her period? Our cycle lasts 28 days and has four phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory and luteal. Cycle syncing is the method of switching up your routines based on each phase of your cycle. These changes will help support your hormones and prepare you for a symptomless period. The best part of cycle syncing is that you learn how to work with your body instead of against it.

Here’s an example of what I mean. There have been times in my life where certain exercises just felt impossible to do even though I had done them the week before flawlessly. I realize now that when I was performing those exercises at my best, I was most likely in my follicular or ovulatory phase, because I had more energy and stamina. During the luteal and menstrual phase you have less energy and should focus more on rest and rejuvenation than high intensity workouts.

How to Start Cycle Syncing

The best advice I can give you is that you can never have too much knowledge. Start by educating yourself more deeply on the female body and cycle syncing. I have linked a few of my favorite resources further down in the post. You can cycle sync whether you are on hormonal birth control or not. I actually replaced my hormonal birth control with a copper option so that I could reacquaint myself with my body’s natural function, but more on that later. Something else that helped me was downloading an app such as Flo or 28 to track my cycle.

I plan my entire week on Sunday’s based on what phase I’m in. Starting with prepping a grocery list with all of the recommended foods for that phase, sign up for classes at my gym that will support my energy levels, and either coordinate social outings or self care nights. Starting out it’s very easy to feel overwhelmed and nervous. But, after just a couple weeks it will start feeling like second nature and you’ll feel better!

I personally have lost my lower belly “pooch”, am less bloated, feel more clear headed and have better energy throughout the day. The best feeling for me is healing my body naturally through nutrition and movement.

Resources

May is Women’s Health Month and I’ll be breaking down every single phase in detail for you. Some of the changes I make throughout the month are types of exercise, my diet, and my social calendar. I’m excited to share with you my go to workouts, meals, and activities during each phase.