A growing trend on social media suggests women should adjust their workout routines based on their menstrual cycle phase. However, medical experts are cautioning against this approach, arguing that a one-size-fits-all strategy for "cycle syncing" workouts may not be suitable for all women and could even be detrimental.
Dr. Faye Bate, a medical doctor and women's health expert, expressed concern that consistently framing women as potentially weaker at certain points in their cycle could lead to a "nocebo" effect. This phenomenon occurs when negative expectations influence actual performance or feelings. "A one-size-fits-all model of 'you should be exercising this way in this phase and a different way in a different phase' shouldn't be advice that applies to all women," she stated.
Sarah McNulty, a trainer, also noted that routinely reducing resistance training could hinder progress. "Strength training is particularly important for women, who face a higher risk of osteoporosis later in life," she said. Building strength requires consistent, challenging training, and "we don't want to create another barrier by suggesting women train less for almost half the month."
Menstrual cycles are highly individual, with typical durations ranging from 21 to 35 days and phases varying in length. Experts emphasize that this variability makes generalized advice, often found on platforms like TikTok, difficult to apply universally.
Furthermore, Dr. Bate advised against normalizing severe menstrual symptoms. If pain, fatigue, or mood changes significantly interfere with exercise or daily activities, seeking medical advice is recommended rather than accepting these symptoms as an inevitable part of the cycle.
