EXERCISING
at particular times in the menstrual cycle could help
women to lose more weight.
That's
one of the initial discoveries made by University of
Adelaide PhD student Leanne Redman, who is studying
the little-known impact of the menstrual cycle on women's
exercise.
Early
results of her research show that exercising at the
later menstrual phase could burn more fat and help women
to feel less tired.
"Results
suggest that exercise performance is improved during
the later part of the menstrual cycle-that is, when
circulating concentrations of ovarian hormones (oestrogen
and progesterone) are high," she says.
At
the later menstrual phase, the hormones promote the
use of fats as an energy source to support exercise.
The use of fat in aerobic activity provides a more efficient
delivery of energy, and results in fewer waste products
being produced. These waste products normally contribute
to fatigue.
Ms
Redman's findings are of international interest to sport
scientists and physicians involved in prescribing exercise
programs to women for sport, fitness or health.
"According
to our research, there would be clear benefits to women
if their weight management programs, as well as providing
a sound diet and lifestyle, took into account the physiological
changes that occur during the menstrual cycle,"
she says.
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