The Power of Cycle Tracking

Hey Just Tri Tribe!

If you are a female and you're reading this, it's time to tap into your superpower... your menstrual cycle.

For centuries, menstruation has been a taboo subject, discussed only in hushed tones or not at all. Fortunately, times have changed, and today women are encouraged to embrace their bodies and take charge of their reproductive health. One way to do this is by tracking your menstrual cycles.

The menstrual cycle is a natural and normal occurrence that happens in the body of every reproductive-aged woman. However, many women do not understand the full extent of the menstrual cycle and the impact it can have on their health and fitness. Menstrual cycle tracking is an effective way to better understand your body and optimize your workouts, leading to improved women's health and wellness.

Benefits of Menstrual Cycle Tracking

1. Improved Performance During Workouts

Tracking your menstrual cycle can help you schedule workouts and other physical activities around your menstrual cycle. The menstrual cycle affects the body in many ways, including energy levels, mood, and physical strength. By tracking your menstrual cycle, you can plan your workouts around the phases of your cycle, maximizing your energy and strength during the phases where you are most likely to perform your best.

For example, during the follicular phase, which is the phase leading up to ovulation, women have higher levels of estrogen and may be able to perform better in strength training exercises. On the other hand, during the luteal phase, which is the phase leading up to menstruation, women may be more prone to fatigue and may benefit from lower-intensity workouts.

Cycle tracking shouldn't be limited to just planning your workouts. It is an opportunity to understand your body's capacity on given day and how your behaviors and chosen activities can support your physiology or work against it.

2. Improved Overall Health

By tracking your menstrual cycle, you can better understand your body's hormonal fluctuations and take steps to optimize your health. Hormonal imbalances can lead to a variety of health problems, including irregular periods, mood swings, and acne. By tracking your cycle, you can identify any imbalances and take steps to correct them, such as adjusting your diet, sleep, workout volume and intensity, and by taking supplements.

Furthermore, menstrual cycle tracking can help you detect any potential health problems early on. Changes in the menstrual cycle, such as missed periods or irregular periods, can be an early indicator of health issues such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or thyroid disorders.

3. Increased Awareness and Empowerment

Tracking your menstrual cycle can also help you feel more empowered and connected to your body. By understanding the hormonal fluctuations and physical changes that occur during the menstrual cycle, you can gain a greater appreciation for your body's natural rhythms and learn to listen to your body's signals.

Moreover, tracking your menstrual cycle can help you feel more in control of your reproductive health. It can help you plan for future pregnancies or identify potential fertility problems early on.

In conclusion, menstrual cycle tracking is a powerful tool that can benefit every active woman. By tracking your cycle, you can optimize your workouts, improve your overall health, and increase your awareness and empowerment. Whether you are an athlete, a health enthusiast, or simply looking to take control of your reproductive health, menstrual cycle tracking is a simple and effective way to achieve your goals. So, go ahead and just tri it!

Thank you for taking time to read my blog!

Have a great week, get some movement in, and as always, Just Tri!!

Yours in Sport,

Lindsay

P.S. Help support and grow my small business by following the Just Tri Performance social media pages on Instagram, TikTok, and subscribe on YouTube!!

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Sources:

1. Sims, S. T., & Rehrer, N. J. (2018). The Menstrual Cycle and Athletic Training and Performance. In Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Global Public Health.

2. Konstantinos Dinas, Georgios Flouris, Athanasios Koutedakis, & Yiannis Theodorakis. (2011). The Effect of Menstrual Cycle on Exercise Metabolism: Implications for Exercise Performance in Eumenorrheic Women. Sports Medicine, 41(10), 1-17.

3. Dr. Stacy Sims, Menstrual Cycle Optimization Course