A Balanced Workout Routine: Why Women Should Embrace a Variety of Exercise Styles

I saw a post today that said "Stop shaming yourself for being inconsistent. Feminine energy is cyclical not linear."

It got me thinking about my personal experience with exercise and Cycle Syncing. Literally the inspiration to Move's schedule.

On our About Move page we have a line that says "We know that exercise is not one size fits all, so we want to help each one of you find the right class for your needs, and we know that is going to change day to day." This is Cycle Syncing in a nutshell.

We know exercise is essential for overall health, but for women especially, incorporating a variety of workouts can be particularly beneficial. While cardio workouts have been heavily targeted at women over the years, adding yoga, Pilates, barre, strength training, and restorative practices like yin into the mix can create a well-rounded fitness routine that supports longevity, flexibility, strength, and mental well-being. So why are we still shaming ourselves into trying to work out like dudes?

A diverse fitness regimen prevents burnout, reduces the risk of injury, and enhances total-body strength and endurance. Each type of exercise offers unique advantages, and when combined, they provide the perfect balance of mobility, stability, flexibility, and power.

Let’s get into why women should incorporate these five key forms of exercise into their routine:

Yoga: Building Strength, Flexibility, and Mind-Body Connection

Yoga is more than just stretching—it’s a powerhouse workout that improves flexibility, balance, and muscle endurance. Regular yoga practice can enhance core strength, relieve stress, and promote mindfulness.

Why it’s great:

💥 Improves flexibility and posture

💥 Reduces stress and anxiety

💥 Strengthens deep stabilizing muscles

💥 Supports hormonal balance

Pilates: Core Strength and Stability

Pilates is a low-impact yet highly effective workout that focuses on core strength, posture, and mobility. Pilates helps tone muscles, improve spinal health, engage your pelvic floor and enhance coordination.

Why it’s great:

💥 Builds a strong, stable core (key for preventing back pain)

💥 Enhances body awareness and control

💥 Supports pelvic floor health, big time.

💥 Improves overall muscle tone

Barre: Sculpting and Endurance

Barre is a fusion of ballet, Pilates, and strength training, using small, controlled movements to target specific muscle groups. It’s a fantastic option for those looking to build long, lean muscles and improve endurance.

Why it’s great:

💥 Tones legs, glutes, and arms with low-impact exercises

💥 Enhances balance and coordination

💥 Increases muscular endurance

💥 Great for those who enjoy music-driven, high-energy workouts

Strength Training: Empowerment Through Resistance

Strength training is often overlooked by women due to myths about "bulking up." However, lifting weights is crucial for building lean muscle, increasing bone density, and boosting metabolism.

Why it’s great:

💥 Supports healthy aging by maintaining muscle mass

💥 Increases metabolism, helping with weight management

💥 Strengthens bones, reducing the risk of osteoporosis

💥 Enhances confidence and overall physical resilience

Restorative & Yin Yoga: Deep Relaxation and Recovery

Restorative and yin yoga focus on deep relaxation, allowing the body to heal and recover. Yin yoga targets connective tissues with long-held stretches, while restorative yoga uses props to create a completely restful experience.

Why it’s great:

💥 Helps manage stress and anxiety

💥 Supports recovery

💥 Improves joint mobility and flexibility

💥 Encourages mindfulness and relaxation

Stuck on creating a well-rounded routine?

A balanced week might include:

2–3 days of strength training to build muscle

1–2 days of yoga or Pilates for flexibility and mobility

1–2 days of barre or low-impact endurance workouts for muscle toning

1 day of restorative or yin yoga for recovery and relaxation

By embracing a variety of workouts, women can build strength, improve posture, prevent injuries, and support overall well-being. Fitness is not about fitting into a mold—it’s about creating a strong, flexible, and resilient body that supports a vibrant and healthy life.

The best workout? One you genuinely enjoy, and we know that's going to change day to day.