Master Your Cycle, Master Your Workouts
“The biggest superpower I’ve found is understanding my cycle. I don’t follow it perfectly, I just pay attention and that’s made all the difference.” — Tasha Franken
Understanding your body is the ultimate form of self-care.
Let’s talk about something that was once unspoken
For most of my life, I didn’t really understand what a period actually was, let alone what my cycle was. I certainly didn’t know that we, as women, go through four distinct hormonal phases every single month, like seasons shifting inside our bodies.
The mood swings, the energy highs and lows, the days you wake up bloated or overly sensitive or ready to take on the world, there’s a reason behind it all.
And that reason is hormone fluctuation.
Once I started tracking my cycle, it changed everything. I stopped being confused by how I felt, and instead started to work with my body, not against it. Cycle syncing isn’t about being perfect or following rules.
It’s about having the awareness to move, eat, and live in a way that supports where you’re at, today.
So… what is cycle syncing, exactly?
Cycle syncing is the practice of adjusting your workouts, nutrition, and self-care to match the hormonal changes that occur throughout the four phases of your menstrual cycle:
Each phase affects how we feel, how we move, and even how our skin behaves. When you understand these shifts, it’s like having a built-in roadmap.
How I Work Out With My Cycle (Without Being Rigid About It)
Here’s the thing, I don’t follow cycle syncing strictly. I’m not someone who obsessively matches every workout or meal to my hormone phase. That’s just not how I live. But I do listen to my body.
And the more I’ve learned about each phase, the more naturally I started to adjust, without guilt or pressure.
On days when I’m in my luteal phase and feeling heavy or emotional, I no longer push myself through intense workouts. I know what’s happening biologically, and I adjust accordingly, maybe a stretch class or walking outside instead.
That’s balance.
Why Pilates Works for Every Phase (and Every Season of Life)
One of the reasons I believe in Pilates so deeply is that it meets you where you are. Whether you’re in your power phase or your rest phase, there’s always a way to move that feels aligned.
- Need to push yourself? Try Cardio Pilates or Strength series
- Feeling low? Choose a Sculpted Abs workout or Soft & Gentle series
- Just want to maintain consistency? Our method is designed to adapt based on your needs, including by duration if you’re short on time.
Pilates is the most intuitive way I’ve found to honor every part of myself and my cycle included.
Want to try syncing? Just start with awareness.
If you’re curious, here’s where to begin:
Start tracking your cycle and simply take note of how you feel.
We love these apps for keeping it simple:
Final Thoughts
Cycle syncing isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being informed. The more you understand your cycle, the more you can release guilt, push less when your body needs rest, and lean in when you feel powerful. It’s not a rigid system, it’s a guide. One that helps you move through life with more ease, more compassion, and more confidence in your body.
If you’re ready to dive deeper, here are a few resources we love:
Honor your body. Tune in. And remember: the goal isn’t to control your cycle, it’s to understand it.
You deserve to feel good, every step of the way.
P.S. Every cycle’s different and this is just a guide. Listen to your body first.