Changing your workouts based on your menstrual cycle
Dec 18, 2024
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Dr. Lauren Colenso-Semple, a PhD researcher specializing in exercise and menstrual cycles, shares her expertise on how menstrual phases should influence workout plans. She discusses the impact of hormone fluctuations on resistance training and the need for customized approaches as women experience their cycles differently. Myths surrounding hormonal contraceptives are debunked, while the significance of strength training for women is emphasized. Dr. Colenso-Semple advocates for more tailored fitness regimens that consider these unique physiological changes.
The podcast highlights the need for more rigorous research on how women's menstrual cycles affect exercise performance and training recommendations.
Consistent strength training is crucial for women regardless of their menstrual cycle phases, emphasizing adherence over complex cycle-based workout changes.
Deep dives
Research Gaps in Women's Exercise Science
The podcast discusses the historical lack of research on women's exercise science, particularly concerning the effects of the menstrual cycle on training adaptations. Many researchers have avoided exploring this area due to concerns about menstrual cycle variability and its impact on study outcomes. However, the speaker emphasizes that these concerns may be unfounded, suggesting a need for more rigorous research in this domain. The conversation highlights the general assumption that the menstrual cycle significantly influences exercise performance and recovery, revealing the importance of addressing these misconceptions in both scientific literature and practical training advice.
Flawed Literature Affects Training Recommendations
The episode outlines how existing literature on menstrual cycles and exercise often fails to account for individual variability, leading to misleading conclusions about training recommendations. Many studies erroneously assume a standard 28-day cycle and neglect to measure critical hormonal fluctuations accurately. This oversight leads to broad generalizations, impacting how women are advised to exercise, including prescribed differences in training intensities throughout their cycle phases. The speakers stress the necessity for high-quality studies to provide reliable recommendations, as the current foundation lacks the scientific rigor needed to direct effective practices for women.
Advocating for Consistent Strength Training
A key takeaway from the discussion is the importance of consistent strength training for women, irrespective of menstrual cycle phases. Overcomplicated recommendations that suggest altering training routines based on hormonal fluctuations can create unnecessary barriers to exercise adherence. The podcast insists that foundational principles of strength training, which apply to everyone, should not be overlooked or replaced by cycle-based training claims. Instead, the focus should remain on encouraging regular resistance training to promote overall health and fitness, particularly for women who may already face challenges entering strength training environments.