Why do my workouts feel different throughout the month?

Have you ever noticed how the exact same workout can leave you feeling on FIRE one week and completely wiped out the next?

It's easy to assume you've lost fitness, motivation, or momentum. But often what's actually changed…is your hormones.

As you know, throughout your cycle, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone are constantly changing. These hormones can influence your energy, strength, recovery, body temperature, and even how motivated you feel to exercise.

During the follicular phase and around ovulation, many women feel energised, strong, and ready to challenge themselves. Workouts may feel easier, recovery quicker, and confidence higher.

Then comes the luteal phase. Progesterone rises, body temperature increases, and some women notice they get tired more easily, feel less motivated, or need longer to recover. This doesn't mean you're losing fitness. Your body is just responding exactly as it's designed to.

Maybe that means lifting heavier, pushing yourself more when energy is high and choosing a gentler session when your body asks for it. Maybe it means celebrating consistency rather than chasing perfection. 

We don't expect the seasons to look the same all year round, yet many women expect their bodies to. And your cycle has seasons too - you know we love the analogy here at Sea and Flo. Learning to recognise these “seasons” can help you swap self-criticism for self-trust.

Here’s a little guide to what each phase might need:

• WINTER | Menstrual: Restore, walking, mobility, gentle strength.
• SPRING | Follicular: Build intensity (also a good time to try new things)
• SUMMER | Ovulatory: Strength, power, confidence.
• AUTUMN | Luteal: Maintain consistency while honouring changing energy.

.....but, as always listen to YOUR body.