The Best Time to Exercise?
Is it better to workout in the
morning or later in the day? The truth is, the optimal time is highly individual, depending on your goals, natural body clock, and daily schedule.
Morning Workouts: The Case for the Early Bird
Consistency and Routine: Early workouts eliminate the worry of fitting in exercise later in a busy day, leading to greater long-term adherence to a fitness routine.
Mood and Energy: A morning session can boost metabolism, increase alertness and focus, and trigger a
release of endorphins, setting a positive, energized tone for the entire day.
Sleep Regulation: Regular morning exercise can lead to better sleep later in the evening.
Morning Drawbacks: Your body temperature is at its lowest in the morning, which can lead to stiffness and requires a longer, more thorough warm-up to prevent injury. Energy levels may also be lower if you haven't fueled adequately.
Afternoon/Evening Workouts: Primed for Performance
If your
goal is peak physical performance, the late afternoon or early evening may be your sweet spot.
Peak Performance: For most people, physical performance, strength, and endurance tend to peak in the late afternoon or early evening. This is linked to a natural increase in core body temperature, which improves flexibility, and energy metabolism.
Stress Relief: For many, an evening workout is an excellent way to unwind and de-stress after a long day of work, helping to transition the
mind from work to rest.
Injury Risk: With higher core body temperature, muscles are naturally warmer and more flexible, which can reduce the risk of injury.
Evening Drawbacks: High-intensity exercise too close to bedtime can raise your heart rate and stimulate your nervous system, potentially interfering with sleep for some individuals. Evening sessions are also more susceptible to being skipped due to unexpected social or work obligations.
The Verdict: Consistency
Wins
The best time of day to exercise is the time you can consistently stick to. Try working out at different times to see when you feel the most energetic, motivated, and capable of pushing yourself.
Need help designing a program that fits your needs and lifestyle?-
If you are looking to get the most out of your workouts contact us today to set up a free
consultation! Text 757 589 7028 or email resultsperformancetraining@hotmail.com
