Dr Faye Bate, a trained medical doctor and women’s health expert, is also wary of advice suggesting all women should train differently according to their menstrual phase.
“A one-size-fits-all model of ‘you should be exercising this way in this phase and a different way in a different phase’ shouldn’t be advice that applies to all women,” she says.
She is concerned that repeatedly telling women they are likely to be weaker or less capable at particular points in their cycle could create a “nocebo” effect – where negative expectations themselves influence how someone feels or performs.
McNulty tells the BBC that routinely easing off resistance training could also limit progress. Strength training is particularly important for women, who face a higher risk of osteoporosis later in life.
Building strength requires consistent, progressively challenging training, she says, and “we don’t want to create another barrier by suggesting women train less for almost half the month.”
Dr Bate also warns against normalising severe symptoms: if pain, fatigue or mood changes interfere with exercise or daily life, women should seek medical advice rather than assuming it is an inevitable part of their cycle, she says.
