Listening to Your Body: A New Way to Work Out

In Los Angeles, a new fitness studio is changing 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. The studio offers classes for high-energy days, like circuit training and power reformer, and gentler options for low-energy days, such as Barrelates and 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. FOLM also offers a recovery womb, an infrared sauna that helps with relaxation and detoxification. The studio provides hormone-balancing snacks and workshops on cycle syncing, which involves aligning your lifestyle, diet, and even finances with your menstrual cycle. However, the science behind cycle syncing is still catching up. Dr. Kacey M. Hamilton, a gynecologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, points out that while hormonal shifts can affect mood, digestion, and injury risk, there is no concrete evidence that cycle-based fitness programs lead to better outcomes.Despite the lack of scientific backing, many women find that listening to their bodies and adjusting their workouts accordingly leads to better results and overall well-being. The founders of FOLM emphasize that the studio is not about skipping workouts but about choosing the right ones for your body's needs. FOLM is a women-only space, welcoming anyone who identifies as a woman or nonbinary. The founders have noticed a significant difference in how women feel in this environment, with many reporting increased energy and better workouts. Whether or not cycle syncing delivers measurable fitness results, the idea of listening to your body and adjusting your workouts accordingly is gaining traction. The Barrelates class, designed for low-energy days, was exactly what one woman needed on a day she almost didn't show up. The next time, she might try Barrelates when both her body and mind are ready.