In the realm of women’s fitness and health, there’s a prevailing notion that we need specialized approaches. As a female personal trainer, I’ve delved deep into this topic, and I’m here to share why I believe many of these approaches miss the mark.
Let’s start with the buzzword of the hour: cycle-syncing. It’s the idea that adjusting your training according to the phases of your menstrual cycle optimizes performance and recovery. Sounds promising, right? Here are my thoughts.
Research indicates that only a fraction of adults meet daily physical activity guidelines, and women are often underrepresented in strength training and high-intensity movements. Yet, instead of encouraging women to push boundaries and lift heavier weights, cycle-syncing suggests ‘gentle movement’ for half of their pre-menopausal lives. In my opinion, t’s a disservice.
Consider this: studies show that lifting heavy and training at high intensities prepares women for the changes their bodies undergo during both pregnancy and menopause. Olympians and countless female athletes have proven that peak performance isn’t dictated by where you are in your cycle.
So, why the emphasis on cycle-syncing? It’s time to question the status quo. As a personal trainer, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative power of pushing boundaries, regardless of gender. My best lifts often happen during my luteal phase, defying conventional wisdom.
If optimizing training and recovery is the goal, let’s prioritize sleep and nutrition over syncing workouts to cycles. Anecdotally, aligning my training and eating habits with those of my male counterparts has yielded better results.
Here’s my alternative approach:
- Train Harder and Heavier: Bring intensity to your workouts. Embrace the challenge, channel your inner strength, and lift with purpose. Anger optional, but it works.
- Set Performance Goals: Shift the focus from aesthetics to achievements. Whether it’s mastering a new lift or hitting a personal best, tangible goals drive progress.
- Nutrition Is Key: Fuel your body for performance. Don’t shy away from protein or calories. Embrace nourishing foods that support your goals.
The world of women’s fitness can be wild. As a female personal trainer, I’m passionate about challenging norms becuase I truly believe intensity is wear the *magic* happens. Let’s shift the narrative from cycle-syncing to strength-building — one heavy lift at a time.