Your Period and Training: How to Adjust Your Workouts in Perimenopause

general health strength training Mar 31, 2026
Woman exercising with light weights, illustrating how to adjust workouts around menstrual cycle and perimenopause

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Adjust your intensity a little here, a little there, and stay consistent—consistency is the needle mover.

 

Episode Summary:

Have you ever wondered how your menstrual cycle impacts your workout performance? As women, we often experience fluctuations in our energy levels and workout quality, especially during perimenopause. In this enlightening episode of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast, I dive deep into the fascinating connection between period and training, shedding light on how hormonal changes can influence our fitness journey.  

 

Show Notes:

Many women report feeling strong and energized one week, only to be met with fatigue the next. This inconsistency can be frustrating, but understanding the science behind our cycles is key to optimizing our workouts. I emphasize the importance of recognizing how hormonal fluctuations affect not just our energy levels, but also our mental health and motivation for fitness. By tuning into our bodies, we can adjust our workout routines accordingly, ensuring that we maintain consistency while allowing for lighter workouts during the premenstrual phase.  

As I share practical tips for navigating period and training, I encourage you to listen to your body and prioritize your wellness. Did you know that perceived exertion can feel higher during certain times of your cycle? However, actual physical performance may not be significantly impaired. This insight can empower you to approach your workouts with a fresh perspective, especially for women over 35 who are navigating the complexities of midlife health.  

Throughout the episode, I also touch on essential topics such as nutrition for women, including how to eat for muscle and the role of protein for women in achieving fitness goals. Whether you're looking to lose weight, tone up, or simply maintain your health during menopause, the right nutrition plays a vital role in supporting your energy levels and overall wellness.  

Join me as we explore the intersection of period and training, and discover how to harness the power of your menstrual cycle to enhance your workouts. Together, we'll unlock the secrets to better fitness motivation, effective toning workouts, and a healthier lifestyle. Tune in for insights that will transform the way you approach your fitness journey!  

If you're interested in womens health, this is the podcast for you. 

Get FREE lifetime access to my 4-week Strength Without Stress program today! This unique program helps you build lean muscle and reduce inflammation—without the fatigue from long or intense workouts. All you need to do is post a review of my podcast, grab a screenshot, and upload it at: hollyperkins.com/review 

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Topics Covered:

  • How your period affects workouts
  • The role of glycogen and recovery
  • Adjusting workouts to your cycle
  • Consistency over intensity
  • Supporting performance with sleep and nutrition

 

Resources:



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Disclaimer: Content and information as part of The Holly Perkins Health Podcast is for general interest, education, and entertainment purposes only. The use of information on this podcast or materials or products linked from this podcast or website is at the user’s own risk. The content of this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their health care professionals for any such conditions.

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