When Is The Best Time To Workout And Why?
Finding the perfect time to exercise can be challenging when busy with work, socializing, and our favorite TV shows. But did you know that the time you choose to hit the gym can actually make a difference in reaching your fitness goals? Let's talk about the best time to workout.
Photo by Humayun Saleem
Morning Workouts: A Great Start to the Day
There are many advantages to working out in the morning. First of all, you get your workout done early and start your day with a sense of accomplishment. It feels great to achieve something before 9 a.m. that others might not do all day. It's a real ego boost!
Moreover, you won't have to worry about exercising later in the day. It gives you time to cook dinner, hang out with friends, or relax. Logistically, morning workouts make sense.
The Science Behind Morning Workouts
Studies support the idea of exercising in the morning. Research has shown that when women exercise in the morning, they are less tempted by delicious food later in the day than when they don't work out. Morning exercise also leads to increased physical activity throughout the day. It boosts metabolism, helping you burn calories as you consume them.
Working out in the evening may affect your sleep. Exercise can increase your heart rate and body temperature, interfering with getting a good night's rest. On the other hand, exercising in the morning, around 7 a.m., can improve the quality of your sleep.
Another advantage of morning workouts is that exercising on an empty stomach can help burn more fat. People who exercise before breakfast can burn up to 20% more body fat. It's easier to exercise on an empty stomach in the morning than after a full day of eating.
Afternoon and Evening Workouts:
Benefits and Considerations While morning workouts seem ideal, afternoon or evening exercise has perks too. If you plan an evening workout, you can enjoy extra sleep in the morning. But there are more benefits to consider!
“Once you are exercising regularly, the hardest thing is to stop it.”
The Science Behind Afternoon Or Evening Workouts
Research shows that your body performs at its peak in the afternoon. Your body temperature rises throughout the day, optimizing muscle function, strength, enzyme activity, and endurance for better performance. The window between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. is when your body is most ready for exercise, it is the best time of day to workout.
In the evening, oxygen uptake are faster, allowing you to use your energy resources more effectively. Morning workouts require an additional warm-up, which can take away from the focus of your exercise routine.
Exercising in the late afternoon and evening is especially beneficial for activities that require quick reaction times, like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or speed work on the treadmill. During this time, your lower heart rate and blood pressure, reducing the risk of injury while improving performance.
Concerns about exercising at night disrupting sleep have been debunked by a study that found better quality and longer sleep among those who lifted weights in the evening compared to morning workouts.