
The Follicular Power Phase
(Cycle Days 1 to 10 - Menstruation to Pre-Ovulation)
· Your body is in the Follicular Phase. Bleeding begins as estrogen starts to rise, rebuilding your energy and making your body highly insulin-sensitive.
· The Strategy: This is when we push! Your body is primed for intense effort.
· In the studio: High intensity workouts designed to get you out of breath and challenge your cardiovascular system: HIIT, metabolic conditioning, and plyometrics (like shuttle jumps) with a 2:1 work-to-rest ratio.
The Ovulation & Manifestation Phase
(Cycle Days 11 to 15 - Late Follicular & Ovulation)
· You are at your hormonal peak. Estrogen and testosterone surge as you approach Ovulation. This is your manifestation window for strength and confidence. Note: Ligaments are more elastic now, so we prioritize control over speed.
· The Strategy: Harness this natural strength to build powerful muscle.
· In the studio: Lift heavy! Focus on low reps (3-6), maximal loads, and short duration sets (20-30 secs) with a 1:1 to 1:3 work-to-rest ratio. We avoid quick, unpredictable movements to protect your joints.
The Early Luteal Push Window
(Cycle Days 16 to 19 - Post-Ovulation)
· You've now entered the early Luteal Phase. Hormone levels begin to decline from their peak, creating a window where you can still effectively push your training.
· The Strategy: A final opportunity for higher-intensity work before recovery begins.
· In the studio: We return to HIIT and plyometrics during this short window, listening closely to your energy levels.
The Luteal Recovery Phase
(Cycle Day 20 until Menstruation - Mid-Late Luteal Phase)
· Progesterone is now the dominant hormone in the Luteal Phase. Cortisol is more impactful, and your body is under a higher metabolic load. Pushing too hard can stress your system and hinder recovery.
· The Strategy: Support your body, build progesterone, and promote recovery. This is not a phase to fight through fatigue.
· In the studio: Active recovery is key. We focus on mobility and loaded stretching. Outside the studio you can engage in yoga, Pilates, walking and hiking.
And then it starts all over again!

Load the Bones is a specialized program focused on improving and maintaining bone density through safe lifting techniques. Designed for individuals with low to moderate fracture risk, it offers expert guidance, personalized workout plans, and a supportive community to promote bone health and overall fitness.
Only 2 spots currently available!

Reconnect is a transformative program designed to strengthen core muscle groups and enhance balance through targeted movements. By focusing on these key areas, participants can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of falls, leading to improved safety and confidence in everyday activities.
Only 2 spots currently available!
Improve any physical or movement issue in a clean and motivating environment.
We create a free personalized plan for the uniqueness of your body.
We listen to provide a consistent application of corrective effort.
We typically recommend no more than 6 x 45-minute sessions per month to optimize recovery.
Radical change in only 6-7 sessions per month, which is 4-6 hours total, that's it!
Preserve the joint and strengthen the muscle - a balanced appraoch
No, just do your life! You just need to do the things you enjoy doing. Whether it's gardening, yoga, walking, biking, skiing, etc. Everything you love to do will serve as active recovery. Our goal is to enhance the activities you already enjoy doing by making you stronger in our studio.
It's only 4-6 times a month. Twice one week and once the following week. It's a simple pattern that doesn't take up much of your time. It's all about balance!
Yes, we welcome information from any healthcare professional concerning the current issues you're having. This makes your program and training more effective and targeted. We also use this to stay away from movement or exercises that are contraindicated depending on your issue. Whether it's related to movement, chronic pain, structural change, or any contraindications that are a result of changes that have occurred in your body over time.
We're a research-driven fitness and corrective movement studio that has spent years experimenting and developing effective strength protocols and programming as part of a healthy aging strategy. Below are some helpful links to some of the most current research which informs our approach.

You did it! You've taken the initiative to start working on your health, now let us take it from here. Just get in touch with us by calling us at (613)297-6557 or by emailing us at motionbydesignottawa@gmail.com.
We look forward to meeting you!