Finding the best time to exercise can be difficult, as schedules and preferences vary for each individual. The CDC recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults. This can have numerous benefits, such as improving cardiovascular health, reducing the risk of infectious diseases, and strengthening bones. However, when you actually perform this exercise can have an impact on the outcome of your workout. Some research suggests that exercising during specific times of the day can affect the results in different ways. It is essential to find a time that works best for you and that you can stick with consistently in the long term for optimal results.
Morning workouts offer several benefits that might sway individuals to consider exercising early in the day. Exercising in the morning can help establish a consistent fitness routine, improve sleep quality and cycle, aid in fat burning, increase productivity, and enhance mood throughout the day. People who exercise in the morning are often more consistent as they have fewer chances to skip it later in the day due to other obligations. Additionally, exercising on an empty stomach is shown to burn more fat, and morning exercise may lead to improved sleep quality and muscle growth. The endorphins released during morning workouts can also help start the day positively.
While morning workouts have their advantages, there are also some drawbacks to consider. Exercising on an empty stomach can lead to hunger during the workout, and the interruption of deep sleep by an early morning alarm can cause grogginess. Physical performance, flexibility, and power may not be at their peak in the morning, and a longer warm-up period may be necessary to prevent injury. Despite these challenges, finding a consistent exercise routine, whether in the morning or any other time, is essential for overall fitness and wellbeing.
Afternoon and evening workouts offer their unique benefits, such as improved physical performance, warmer body temperature, hormone optimization for muscle growth, stress relief, and the potential to replace bad habits. Research shows that muscle strength, flexibility, power output, and endurance are often better in the evening than in the morning. Hormone production, specifically testosterone, may be higher in the afternoon, resulting in greater strength and muscle gains. Late-day exercise can also help relieve stress and replace unhealthy habits with positive lifestyle choices.
However, there are downsides to afternoon and evening workouts as well. Exercising too close to bedtime may interfere with sleep for some individuals, especially if the workout is intense. Consistency with evening workouts can also be challenging for those who are tired after a long day or have other responsibilities to manage during the evening. It is essential to consider these factors and experiment with different times to find the best workout schedule that fits your lifestyle and goals. Ultimately, the best time to exercise is whenever you can do so consistently and enjoyably, whether it be in the morning, afternoon, or evening.
