Menstrual cycle phases may matter less for exercise than individual symptoms

Menstrual cycle phases may have little effect on women’s everyday physical activity levels and energy expenditure, a new study shows. The research, conducted by Flo Health and published in SAGE Women’s Health, analyzed data from 5,700 Flo app users, looking at correlations between participants’ menstrual tracking data, exercise logs, energy expenditure and step counts. While the concept of “cycle syncing” — tailoring workouts to menstrual phases — is growing in popularity, “This research is challenging the need for an exercise regime built around your cycle phases,” said Flo Director of Science Liudmila Zhaunova. “What matters far more is adapting it to your own symptoms on the days you need to.”