Get in sync. Cycle syncing, that is. Someone who knows all about this menstrual method is Brittany Hugoboom (she/her), co-founder of 28, the cycle-based fitness and wellness experience. “I grew up competing internationally in martial arts and medaled at the Junior Olympics,” she says. “Later, when I moved to LA after suffering back injuries from intense workouts, I met my mentors Justin Gelband and Giulini Wever, iconic supermodel trainers who designed many of the workouts on the 28 app. I ended up getting my certification from the Gray Institute shortly after. I learned that women have, on average, a 28-day cycle. Hence the name 28, which was born to help women optimize their lives throughout the phases of their cycles.”

If you’re ready to get your period back on track with your body, keep reading.

What exactly is cycle syncing?
Cycle syncing is a concept that recommends adjusting various aspects of your lifestyle according to the phase of your menstrual cycle. This includes activities, nutrition, self-care, and more. The goal is to optimize your health and productivity by aligning your activities with the hormonal changes throughout the menstrual cycle.

What are the different cycle syncing methods?
Cycle syncing involves working with your body, not against it, based on where you are during the month. Your body, mood, and energy ebb and flow through the phases of the cycle. By utilizing your cycle as your superpower and engaging in optimal workouts and consuming the right nutrients based on your cycle phase, you can look and feel your best throughout the entire month. 28 offers daily workouts, nutrition, and insights based on your cycle phase, making it a comprehensive solution without the need for overthinking.

Tell us about 28 and how the app helps women with their cycle-syncing needs.
28 is the only app on the market that simplifies the science of the cycle and its four phases into a stunning and simplistic user interface. The entire experience was designed to answer three questions: What’s happening to my body/emotions today? Why are these things happening? What can I actually do about it? By demystifying the entire cycle and the specific phase you’re in, it eliminates frustration and the feeling of being in the passenger seat of your own body. Removing the guesswork related to diet and exercise optimization enhances physique, energy, hormones, and mood, enabling users to improve daily while becoming experts on themselves through interactive insights.

The app itself offers a path to wellness that’s approachable, less intimidating, and personalized. It empowers women to prioritize their unique biology and take control of their health. There’s no calorie counting and no extreme routines. 28 is a lifestyle that celebrates you and a mindset that emphasizes balance over extremes.

Does cycle syncing differ for each phase of your menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is divided into four main phases:

1. First is the menstrual phase, when you experience your period. Hormone levels are low, and you may feel more fatigued. This is an ideal time for self-care.

2. The follicular phase follows, with hormones like estrogen starting to rise. This leads to increased energy and a better mood. It’s a great phase for strength training and engaging in activities you love. Cognitive function improves, and creativity is enhanced.

3. The ovulation phase is the hottest phase. You’re fertile, sex drive is higher, and proportions are most symmetrical. Estrogen levels peak, and confidence and sociability are generally at their highest.

4. During the luteal phase, progesterone levels rise, and women might feel more introspective or irritated. PMS is experienced during this phase. Self-care is particularly beneficial.

What are the overall benefits of this concept?
Cycle syncing offers benefits such as hormonal balance, improved mood, enhanced productivity, and, most importantly, less painful periods.