The Best Time of Day to Exercise: What Works Best for You?
When it comes to exercise, one of the most common questions is: “What’s the best time of day to work out?” The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best time to exercise depends on your lifestyle, personal preferences, and fitness goals. However, there are some benefits to working out at certain times that might help you decide what works best for you.
There are different pros and cons of exercising in the morning, afternoon, and evening so here’s a breakdown to help you find your perfect workout window.
Morning Workouts: Start the Day Right
Pros:
- Boosts metabolism: Exercising first thing in the morning can kickstart your metabolism, helping you burn calories throughout the day.
- Improves mood and focus: Morning exercise releases endorphins that lift your mood and enhance focus, which is perfect for busy mums balancing a hectic schedule.
- Consistency: Morning workouts are easier to stick to since fewer things tend to get in the way compared to later in the day.
- Better sleep: Morning exercise can help regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep at night.
Cons:
- Body temperature: Your body temperature is lower in the morning, which can affect your performance. Your muscles may feel stiffer, and it might take longer to warm up.
- Energy levels: Some people find it difficult to find the energy to exercise early, especially if you’re not naturally a morning person.
Afternoon Workouts: The Sweet Spot
Pros:
- Peak performance: By the afternoon, your body is fully awake, your muscles are warm, and your reaction times and strength are at their best. This makes it a great time for more intense workouts.
- Less chance of injury: With your muscles and joints warmed up from being active throughout the day, there’s a reduced risk of injury compared to morning workouts.
- Natural energy boost: Exercising in the afternoon can give you a much-needed energy boost, especially if you experience a mid-afternoon slump.
- Stress relief: If your day has been stressful, an afternoon workout can be a great way to de-stress and reset before continuing your tasks.
Cons:
- Disruptions: Midday workouts can be harder to fit in, especially if you have work, school runs, or other commitments.
- Meal timing: You need to be mindful of when you eat, as working out too soon after a meal can feel uncomfortable.
Evening Workouts: Wind Down with Exercise
Pros:
- Increased strength and flexibility: Your body temperature and strength peak in the evening, making this a great time for strength training and flexibility workouts like yoga.
- Stress relief: A workout after a long day can help release tension and anxiety, promoting relaxation and a clear mind before bed.
- Sleep quality: Contrary to popular belief, exercising in the evening doesn’t necessarily disrupt sleep. In fact, some people find it helps them unwind and sleep better.
Cons:
- Post-workout adrenaline: For some, working out too late can make it harder to fall asleep, as exercise boosts adrenaline and alertness.
- Motivation dip: After a long day, finding the motivation to exercise can be tough. It’s easier for evening plans or tiredness or other unexpected commitments to interfere with your workout.
What’s the Verdict?
Ultimately, the best time of day to exercise is whenever you can fit it in CONSISTENTLY and feel at your best. If mornings are your only free time, a quick workout before the kids wake up can set a positive tone for the day. If afternoons give you more energy, take advantage of that peak performance window. And if evenings are your time to de-stress, use that time to unwind and get in a great session.
The most important thing is finding a time that works for you, so you can stick to it regularly and make exercise a part of your routine. Don’t stress about the “perfect” time – focus on moving your body when it suits your lifestyle and makes you feel good.
If you’re ready to start making fitness fit your life, Thrive in 5 can help you design a flexible routine that works around your schedule. Let’s work together to make those goals a reality!
