Let's talk female physiology & performance

Lately I’ve started diving more deeply into the topic of female physiology. How does being a woman affect my training and performance?

A few years ago I didn’t know anything about my cycle. And what surprises me the most is that I’m not the only one who’s been completely oblivious to the way my body works. I can’t even remember learning about it in school?!

I have the feeling that as women, we often judge ourselves for feeling off, sluggish or not being able to perform at our best. We beat ourselves down, not knowing that a lot can be explained by our hormones. But with increased knowledge, we can hopefully start respecting our bodies rather than resisting them ❤️

There was a time when I didn’t get my period for 4 (!!) years. It hurts now to say that at the time, I thought it was pretty convenient not to have to deal with getting a period on race day.

Luckily I got it back eventually, but with that also came huge fluctuations in my mood and energy levels. It took me some time to understand that my hormonal phases affect how I feel and how my training goes. All of a sudden it all made sense! But truth be told, at first I was saddened by this new truth. Will I only be able to feel good and get good quality training in two weeks per month? And feel like crap the rest!?

With the help of my two greatest inspirational sources atm @femmi.co and @drstacysims I’ve now started navigating my way through this complex world of being a woman, getting to know my body more and how I can lead a happy and strong life as a an active female without compromising my health.

But more than anything, learning about this topic has also taught me to be kinder to myself. That not every day is awesome, and that that’s ok.

If you’re an active female and you have experience adapting your training to your cycle, please let me know in the comments below! Or anything else you’d like to say on the topic ⬇️