Los Angeles Times: Why ‘Cycle Syncing’ Workouts Are Rising in L.A.
The Los Angeles Times recently interviewed Kacey Hamilton, MD, a minimally invasive gynecological surgeon at Cedars-Sinai, about “cycle syncing,” tailoring workouts, nutrition and daily routines to match hormonal shifts throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle.
Cycle syncing, part of a growing movement encouraging women to track the four phases of the monthly cycle that starts with their period, has gained popularity on social media. As the body moves through these phases—follicular, ovulation, luteal and menstrual—hormones fluctuate, often influencing energy levels.
Some fitness clubs are jumping on the tracking trend, offering classes with varying intensity levels to align with a woman’s hormonal phase. However, Hamilton told the Los Angeles Times that there is no scientific evidence to support the practice.
“There’s never been any literature that said, hey, women who follow cycle thinking have better strength outcomes or have more energy,” she said.
Hamilton also expressed concern about planning workouts around the menstrual cycle, adding another layer of complexity to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
“Lifestyle changes and healthy lifestyle choices are difficult for all of us,” she said, noting that resting for extended periods based on the cycle could lead women to miss important resistance training that supports bone health and longevity.
Instead of exercising based on hormonal fluctuations, Hamilton recommends eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, grains and beans, and maintaining a consistent exercise routine, including both cardiovascular activity and strength training to support reproductive health and overall wellness.
Read the complete article from the Los Angeles Times.