Hey!
So often I hear women feeling bad about being too lazy to workout, especially right before their period.
Well, there’s a reason for that!
& I’m here to tell you that it’s okay! In fact, please continue!
If you over-stress your body in your Luteal phase (after ovulation, before menstruation), your hormones will not like it and create more PMS & period pains.
Why?
Because you naturally have higher levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the Luteal phase.
Remember, your hormones basically think you’re pregnant during this phase, and what should a pregnant woman do? RELAX!
However, if you don’t use it, you lose it.
So the Luteal phase is a great time to have slower & gentler workouts like yoga, long walks, or getting into a dance flow.
Your hormones affect your physical body throughout your 4 phases.
Here’s what happens in each of the phases:
MENSTRUAL PHASE:
- hormones are the lowest
- energy is lowest
- do low-impact movements like Yin yoga, stretching or slow walking
FOLLICULAR PHASE:
- estrogen is rising
- muscle-building & recovery are quickest
- energy is rising
- do cardio & higher intensity workouts
OVULATION PHASE:
- estrogen is peaking
- estrogen causes joints to swell, so engage muscles during workouts to protect joints
- planks, chair pose & other stabilizing poses are great
LUTEAL PHASE:
- estrogen drops then rises again, progesterone rises & dominates this phase
- hormones hope you got pregnant so stress levels naturally rise
- body is more flexible
- do more gentle & flowy movements like yoga, dance & long walks. Workouts that reduce stress :)
THIS IS IMPORTANT
If you over-workout in your Luteal phase, you’re actually turning on fat-storage, muscle wasting and bone density loss.
Why?
Because since hopeful Progesterone is trying to keep the potentially fertilized egg inutero, and you need to nourish & keep that egg safe, it’s trying to hold on to your fat & nutrients.
This is why we naturally have higher levels of stress hormone, to raise awareness & diligence to keep you & your potential baby safe.
Stress is the number one thing to throw all other hormones out of balance, making you feel symptoms like PMS & period pains.
Find my 13-page Hormone Cycle Awareness ebook on what to eat, how to move & think, and what goes on in the four phases of your cycle so you can have a better relationship with your cycle and live PMS & period pain-free.
Want to work with me?
Book in for a 2-hour private workshop with a protocol made for you.
I also have a group program or we can work together 1-1 in a monthly mentorship.
Until next time…
Hugs & female chromosomes (XX),
Pauline Goossens
Hormone Cycle Expert
