How To Pick A Workout Based On What Your Body *Actually* Needs

I've learned from experience that when scheduling exercise, it's best to keep it vague. Adding make time for movement to my list of responsibilities is a friendly reminder to myself that fitness should be a priority, but it doesn't have to be rigid. 

The truth is, "working out can be a good time," says NASM-certified personal trainer Kristie Larson. Her take? The key to making movement enjoyable is as simple as listening to your body. This is also known as intuitive exercise, or the concept of cuing into your body's needs, and picking a workout based on how you want to feel (rather than look).

Under 6 hours of sleep: Stick with smaller, gentler movements, like yoga, walking, cycling, barre, or mobility classes. 

High: High-intensity exercises can increase cortisol levels, which isn't always a bad thing. But when your cortisol (aka stress) is already super high, it's best to avoid spiking it even more. To help relax your mind and your body, Larson suggests keeping your intensity level at less than 70%. This could include walking, swimming, or a yoga flow. 

Average: We all have those days when a few things will set us off here and there, but we don't feel entirely weighed down by them. If that's you, Larson recommends getting in your cardio and HIIT. Play a little heavy metal and sweat it out, baby. 

Follicular: This cycle phase generally brings rising energy levels, so Larson says to "try something new and creative, like cardio dance or animal flow." 

Ovulation: You may be feeling a bit more social during this phase. If you're trying to get pregnant, this is a good time to make sex your movement of choice. Otherwise, Larson recommends working out with friends. Whether it's in a masked-up class, outside, or via Zoom. 

Luteal: Since your hormones are seriously fluctuating during this phase (testosterone and estrogen levels drop while progesterone levels rise), it's common to experience some mood changes here. "Use the first few days to go hard and then ease into your period," she says.