Exercise is often viewed as one of the most effective ways to maintain good health, improve stamina, and balance overall well-being. Yet, as fitness expert Siddhartha Singh, known for training actress Tamannaah Bhatia, pointed out in a recent Instagram video, not every workout benefits the body equally—especially when it comes to women’s hormonal health. He highlighted three common exercise habits that, instead of enhancing fitness, can actually disrupt hormonal balance and trigger long-term imbalances.
Fasted Cardio in the Morning
Singh explained that performing intense cardio workouts on an empty stomach first thing in the morning can backfire. When the body is still in a fasting state, it’s already under mild stress, and pushing it through vigorous movement causes a surge in cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels, when experienced regularly, can interfere with normal hormonal rhythms, leading to fatigue, irregular cycles, and metabolic disturbances over time. Essentially, the effort to burn more fat in a fasted state may come at the cost of overall hormonal harmony.
Overdoing High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
While HIIT-based workouts like CrossFit and Hyrox are celebrated for their efficiency and ability to boost endurance, Singh cautioned that doing them excessively can be counterproductive. Consistent high-intensity training keeps cortisol chronically elevated, which, in turn, suppresses progesterone—a key hormone responsible for maintaining reproductive health and emotional balance in women. Without enough rest and recovery between sessions, these workouts can create a physiological state of constant stress, slowing down fat loss and affecting mood and sleep patterns.
Late-Night Exercise Sessions
According to Singh, exercising too close to bedtime can also be harmful. Although late-night workouts might seem convenient, they activate stress hormones at a time when the body should be winding down. This elevation in cortisol disrupts natural sleep cycles, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Singh recommends completing all strenuous physical activity at least three hours before bedtime to allow the body to relax and restore its natural rhythm.
Through his insights, Singh urged women to approach fitness mindfully—choosing balance and recovery over intensity for sustainable health.
Fasted Cardio in the Morning
Singh explained that performing intense cardio workouts on an empty stomach first thing in the morning can backfire. When the body is still in a fasting state, it’s already under mild stress, and pushing it through vigorous movement causes a surge in cortisol—the body’s primary stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels, when experienced regularly, can interfere with normal hormonal rhythms, leading to fatigue, irregular cycles, and metabolic disturbances over time. Essentially, the effort to burn more fat in a fasted state may come at the cost of overall hormonal harmony.Overdoing High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
While HIIT-based workouts like CrossFit and Hyrox are celebrated for their efficiency and ability to boost endurance, Singh cautioned that doing them excessively can be counterproductive. Consistent high-intensity training keeps cortisol chronically elevated, which, in turn, suppresses progesterone—a key hormone responsible for maintaining reproductive health and emotional balance in women. Without enough rest and recovery between sessions, these workouts can create a physiological state of constant stress, slowing down fat loss and affecting mood and sleep patterns.Late-Night Exercise Sessions
According to Singh, exercising too close to bedtime can also be harmful. Although late-night workouts might seem convenient, they activate stress hormones at a time when the body should be winding down. This elevation in cortisol disrupts natural sleep cycles, making it harder to fall and stay asleep. Singh recommends completing all strenuous physical activity at least three hours before bedtime to allow the body to relax and restore its natural rhythm.Through his insights, Singh urged women to approach fitness mindfully—choosing balance and recovery over intensity for sustainable health.