Hey there. Let’s talk about something that comes up regularly in the coaching space but often gets brushed aside... how to manage your fitness routine when it’s that time of the month. Now, I’m obviously not speaking from personal experience here, but I’ve coached a lot of women through this, and one thing I can say for sure is this... you need to give yourself some grace.
The first thing I recommend is adjusting your progress updates. If you normally weigh in or take measurements during this time, skip it. Your body is dealing with a lot, and any number you get is going to be thrown off. I’ve had clients who insisted on doing their check-in anyway, only to get upset over a number that had nothing to do with their actual progress. So, my rule is simple. Move the check-in or skip it altogether. You’re not losing any ground by waiting a week or two.
Next, let’s talk about workouts. If you feel good enough to move your body, do it. But if you’re tired, bloated, or just not feeling it, take a break or do something lighter. One week of lower intensity is not going to undo your entire process. This isn’t about perfection. It’s about listening to your body and adjusting.
Now onto food... cravings are real. And honestly, I say give in to them. Not in an all-out, eat-everything-in-sight way. But if you’re craving something, have it, enjoy it, and stop when you’ve had enough. The goal isn’t to avoid cravings at all costs. It’s to respond to them in a way that works for you. Mother Nature is undefeated here. You’re not failing because you ate chocolate. You’re being human.
The most important thing is to let go of guilt. Skip the scale. Change your workout. Eat the food. Then get back to your regular routine once you’re feeling like yourself again. That’s it. No punishment. No overthinking. Just move forward.
If you’ve got a strategy that works well for you during this time, I’d love to hear it. This is about adapting to your body and making progress over time.
And if you’re looking for a supportive, flexible approach to fitness that helps you stay consistent through all of life’s phases, join The YLF Experience. I’d love to be part of your process.