Strength in Cycles: Understanding Female Athletes

In this episode, hosts Paul Warloski and Dr. Paul Laursen, along with guest Marjaana Rakai, delve into the intricacies of training female endurance athletes. They discuss the importance of understanding female physiology, the menstrual cycle's impact on training, and the need for individualized approaches. The conversation also touches on the importance of communication between coaches and athletes, tracking menstrual cycles, and addressing symptoms to optimize performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Female endurance athletes may require different training approaches than their male counterparts due to physiological differences.
• Tracking the menstrual cycle and understanding its impact on performance is crucial for female athletes.
• Coaches should foster open communication with female athletes about their menstrual cycles and related symptoms.
• Individualization of training plans based on the athlete's cycle and symptoms can lead to better performance and overall well-being.
• Strength training becomes increasingly important for women as they approach perimenopause and menopause.

• Female Athlete Mystery: should she train with respect to her menstrual cycle?
• Offered Support and Knowledge about the Menstrual Cycle in the Athletic Community: A Cross-Sectional Study of 1086 Female Athletes - PubMed
• Waking Up to the Issue! Research Inattention and Sex-Related Differences Warrant More Sleep Studies in Female Athletes - PubMed
• Fuelling the female athlete: Carbohydrate and protein recommendations - PubMed
• Optimizing Women's Training | Lauren Colenso-Semple
• Paul Warloski - Endurance, Strength Training, Yoga
• Marjaana Rakai - Tired Mom Runs - Where fitness meets motherhood.
• HRV4Training
• Endurance Exchange 2024 Conference