Cycle Syncing
Transform your relationship with your body
Are you a woman looking to understand how your hormones can impact your movement habits?
Try tracking and tailoring your classes to your cycle when you need a bit of extra guidance. Gain a deeper understanding and appreciation for your body and how to support it best throughout the month.
Menstruation
Your follicular phase officially starts on day 1 of your period. During the mensturation part of this phase you are likely to feel more lethargic and this is the perfect time for gentle classes eg. 'Restorative Yoga For Menstrual Cycle' or one of the Yin or floor barre classes on demand. It is perfectly normal to not feel like your 'best self' during this stage and it's important to honour however you feel.
Follicular Phase
Following the end of your period, the follicular phase continues for 5 - 6 days. During this second half of the follicular phase, you are likely to now feel much more energetic as oestrogen levels start to increase ready for ovulation. This is a great time to start increasing the intensity of your classes eg. 'Deep Core & Burn' or tackle one of the full body classes on demand with props like weights & pilates ball!
Ovulation
Ovulation normally occurs in the middle of your cycle at approximately day 14 and lasts around 3 - 5 days. Your energy levels are likely to be similar to the end of the follicular phase eg. high energy, confident, ready to take on a challenge and more advanced classes. This is also a great time to think about your goals and the steps you can take to get there. Note that sometimes we experience bloating during ovulation - this can really be eased by gentle twists of the body eg. supine twist or oblique focused exercises.
Luteal Phase
Following ovulation we enter the last phase of our cycle where our hormones are 'heightened' with progesterone making its peak. Particularly towards the latter half of the luteal phase some people refer to this time in our cycle as 'winter' as sometimes we feel less energised, less motivated and not as ready to tackle hard classes. This is the perfect time to listen to your body and go for the less advanced workouts eg. 'Barre/Yoga Fusion' or simply take more breathers in your class.
"In tuning in with your varying hormone levels throughout the month, my hope is that you give yourself space and compassion to move in a way that reflects how your body and mind feel and gain an understanding of what works best for you. As women our hormone cycle is totally different to that of a man and so many of us are taught to keep striving for better no matter what - well, I hope this information can empower you to be the superhero you are and simultaneously know when to pull back." - Helena, The Body Zone Founder
* It is worth noting that the above is a guideline and sometimes you may not feel this reflects your energy - it is perfectly safe to move in any way that feels right for you.*