Listening to Your Body: A New Way to Work Out
In Los Angeles, a new fitness studio is revolutionizing how women approach workouts. FOLM, which opened in 2025, tailors exercises to the different phases of the menstrual cycle. The idea is simple: listen to your body and choose workouts that match your energy levels.
Classes for Every Phase
The studio offers high-energy classes for days when you feel strong, such as:
- Circuit Training
- Power Reformer
For low-energy days, gentler options include:
- Barrelates
- Classical Pilates
The founders, Anna Collins and Cindy Gomez, noticed that many women push themselves too hard during their menstrual cycle, leading to exhaustion and even injury.
Recovery & Wellness
FOLM also features a recovery womb—an infrared sauna that aids in relaxation and detoxification. The studio provides:
- Hormone-balancing snacks
- Workshops on cycle syncing (aligning lifestyle, diet, and finances with your menstrual cycle)
The Science Behind Cycle Syncing
While the concept is gaining popularity, the science is still catching up. Dr. Kacey M. Hamilton, a gynecologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, notes:
"While hormonal shifts can affect mood, digestion, and injury risk, there is no concrete evidence that cycle-based fitness programs lead to better outcomes."
A Women-Only Space
FOLM is a women-only space, welcoming anyone who identifies as a woman or nonbinary. Many report increased energy and better workouts in this environment.
Listening to Your Body
Whether or not cycle syncing delivers measurable fitness results, the idea of adjusting workouts to your body’s needs is gaining traction. One woman found that Barrelates, designed for low-energy days, was exactly what she needed on a day she almost skipped her workout.
