Women

The menstrual cycle, contraceptives, pregnancy and menopause applied to training and nutrition.

The same principles

The basis of training is identical for men and women: progressive overload, adequate volume and proximity to failure. There are no 'women's exercises' or special routines. Lifting heavy builds strength, shape and bone health, not a 'masculine' physique.

How to apply it

• Train with demanding loads and progress like anyone else
• Ignore 'toning' routines of light weight and endless reps

No fear of size

Women have far less testosterone, so they gain muscle more slowly and without the extreme size people fear. They respond very well to strength work and often tolerate slightly more volume and reps thanks to their better fatigue resistance.

How to apply it

• Lift heavy without fear of 'getting huge'
• You can make use of slightly higher rep ranges and more volume

The menstrual cycle and performance

Performance can vary across the cycle, but the evidence is highly individual and inconsistent: there is no universal rule for 'periodising by your cycle'. The practical approach is still to listen to how you feel and autoregulate load and volume day by day — the cycle phase is ONE more clue, not the only one.

How to apply it

• Autoregulate (RPE) on days with worse energy or discomfort
• Log how you feel and look for your own patterns

The menstrual cycle built into Fitorex

If you log the date of your last period (Settings › Menstrual cycle), Fitorex can suggest GENTLE adjustments automatically: slightly more volume and lower RIR in the follicular phase, slightly less volume and higher RIR during menstruation and in the late luteal phase (premenstrual), and roughly +150/+200 kcal in the luteal phase because of progesterone's thermogenic effect. It is a calendar-based estimate (it does not measure real hormones) and you can switch each adjustment off separately — your actual session feedback still overrides the phase.

How to apply it

• Turn it on in Settings if you want that automatic periodisation
• Log every period so your average cycle length becomes more accurate
• Switch the training or nutrition adjustment off separately if it does not suit you

Hormonal contraceptives

Current evidence does not show a clear, consistent effect of oral contraceptives on strength or muscle gains. They should not meaningfully hold your progress back. For any health concerns, speak to your doctor.

How to apply it

• Do not assume the pill ruins your results
• Prioritise training, protein and rest like anyone else

Pregnancy and postpartum

In uncomplicated pregnancies, physical activity and adapted strength training are safe and beneficial, but always under medical guidance. Intensity, exercises and positions are adjusted as it progresses. Postpartum requires a gradual return.

How to apply it

• Only train during pregnancy with medical clearance
• Return progressively after giving birth, without rushing

Menopause

The drop in oestrogen accelerates muscle and bone loss and changes fat distribution. Strength training is one of the best tools to counter it: it protects muscle mass, bone density, strength and metabolic health.

How to apply it

• Prioritise strength through peri/menopause: it is protective
• Ensure high protein and enough calcium and vitamin D

Bone health, iron and energy

Women are at greater risk of iron deficiency and of low energy availability (RED-S) if they eat too little for what they train, which harms bone, hormones and performance. Eating enough is not optional: it is performance and health.

How to apply it

• Do not make very aggressive deficits chronic; eat to perform
• Watch your iron if you have fatigue or heavy periods (seek medical advice)