What is the best time of the day to work out?
We all know exercising is essential for maintaining good health and fitness, as well as reaching fitness and aesthetic goals, but one question that many people still wonder is what is the best time of the day to work out.
To cut it short, there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this, as several factors may influence the optimal time for exercising, such as personal preferences or limitations, lifestyle, and overall health. In this article, we’re going to go over some of the advantages and disadvantages of working out at different (more traditional) times of the day:
- Morning Workouts
- Establish a proper routine and consistency in exercise;
- Great way to kickstart metabolism and provide an energy boost for the day;
- Reduce stress and improve overall mood;
- Really great way to start the day. Hit the gym and go about your daily activities;
- May be hard to wake up earlier and get motivated early in the morning;
- Even more difficult for those not used to waking up early.
- Afternoon Workouts
- Workouts in the afternoon may be better for those who struggle with morning workouts;
- Body is generally more warmed up and loosened up in the afternoon, and energy levels tend to be higher as you’ve gotten more meals in;
- Working out in the afternoon can help to relieve daily stress and improve performance by a little bit;
- The afternoon can be a busy time for many, making it challenging to find time to exercise;
- Some people may experience a slight drop in energy levels in the afternoon, especially if they woke up early, making it difficult to get motivated for a workout.
- Evening Workouts
- Some prefer to work out in the evening to wind down after a long stressful day and release stress;
- Working out in the evening may improve sleep quality, as long as you leave enough time between the end of the workout and bedtime;
- It can be challenging to get motivated to exercise in the evening, especially if feeling tired or after a long day;
- The evening is probably the time of the day where the gyms are their busiest depending on your area, so if you want to avoid crowds it might be better to skip working out in the evenings.
In the end, the best time of day to work out is whenever you can get your workouts in and will depend on many factors, including your personal preferences and limitations, lifestyle, and overall health. Whether you choose to exercise in the morning, afternoon, or in the evening, the most important part is to make exercise a consistent part of your routine. Regular exercise can aid in improving physical and mental health, optimize energy levels, and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, so find a good time that works for you and just stick with it!
