Exercise focus. During the first half of the luteal phase your energy may still be high, so continue with the more strenuous activities you took on during ovulation. Then scale back on your intensity during the final five days with activities such as walking, Pilates, gyrotonic training, and vinyasa yoga. You may feel a little more sluggish and experience more water retention toward the end of this phase, so choose exercise with lower resistance (such as using the elliptical trainer)—you’ll still be working your muscles, but it won’t be as jarring for your body.
