Working out regularly may feel like a big commitment at first, one that many people have challenges with starting and maintaining. It is important to always keep your reason for working out in mind, and the goals that you would like to achieve. Some people workout to lose weight, others work out to build muscle, but no matter your reason working out will have undoubtedly positive results in your journey to living a more healthy and active lifestyle
What Time Is Best To Exercise During The Day?
We all live busy lives, and sometimes it may be hard to pencil in a 30-minute-to-an-hour workout session in between work, chores, and whatever else life throws your way. Thankfully, no matter what time you choose to workout, there are benefits that can be reaped from staying disciplined and making time for physical activity.
The Benefits To Exercising In The Morning
For many people, exercising is treated like a chore – another thing on the to-do list for the day that may be deprioritized if other more pressing matters happen to pop up. By starting your day off with exercise, you can avoid the self-inflicted guilt of not working out by making it one of the first things you do in a day. Whether it be lacing up your runners and going for a jog or participating in an in-home personal training session with one of our trainers, exercising in the morning comes with its own unique set of benefits.
If losing weight is one of your goals, you may find it to be easier to lose weight if you exercise in the morning. This is because exercising in the morning has shown to be effective at burning fat, particularly after a period of fasting. Be warned though, exercising while in a state of fasting may lead to dizziness, nausea, and fainting spells if you push yourself too hard. Ideally, we recommend having a light snack before exercising, and a healthy protein-focused meal once you are finished.
The Benefits To Exercising In The Afternoon
Exercising in the afternoon may put you in a state of peak performance. Naturally, our bodies reach their highest internal temperature usually around the late afternoon as part of our circadian rhythm. This increase in temperature provides the ideal circumstances for performing exercises to build muscle mass and achieve performance goals. Additionally, by catching yourself at the peak of your circadian rhythm, you can expect to work out more effectively for longer with less fatigue.
Another benefit to exercising in the afternoon is an energy boost from the endorphins that our bodies naturally release while working out. Hitting the weights or crushing a workout routine in the afternoon has the benefit of helping get past the 3-o’clock slump that many people experience working a 9-to-5 as well as burn off any excess calories that you may have consumed with lunch.
The Benefits To Exercising In The Evening
Exercising in the Evening also has its own set of benefits, so long as you do not do any intense exercise immediately before you plan on going to sleep. Ideally, you’ll want to finish your last set of reps or lap around the block at least 90 minutes to an hour before you intend on sleeping.
The evening presents an ideal time to focus on stress-relieving exercises like yoga, walking or light weightlifting which can help you calm your mind in preparation for a good nights’ sleep.
Moreover, if exercising is the last thing on your “to-do” list for the day, you may feel especially good knowing that you accomplished everything that you wanted to by completing your workout.
Consistency Is Key
No matter what time of day you decide to break a sweat, the most important thing is to keep at it and stay disciplined. By establishing a steady, consistent habit of exercising, your body will get used to it over time and it will feel like less of a chore and more a normal thing to do.
Whether you’re able to get up an hour earlier than usual to do your routine, log out midday for for an exercise break, or find time in the evening for an in-home training session, you will already be making a positive change in your life by choosing to make time to work out,
Thankfully, the trainers at First Class Personal Training offer flexible scheduling options and are happy to help you find time for us to come to you and take the guesswork out of your fitness routine.
Gera is the Founder and Head Trainer of First Class Personal Training with over 20 years of professional experience, not only as a personal trainer but also as a nutrition and wellness counselor and a post rehabilitation specialist.
