The Best Time Of Day To Exercise...Mornings Or Evening?
When it comes to exercise, my philosophy is to do it early to get it out of the way. But is there a best time to exercise to maximize caloric burn? There are many thoughts on when one should exercise, so let's break down the pros and cons of the morning workout versus the evening workout.
Morning Workout
The primary benefit of working out in the morning, is not having the whole day to derail your exercise plans. Those who work out in the morning tend to be more consistent, and find they have more energy throughout the day.
Morning workouts are usually more intense, and energetic since you are fresh, and not sluggish from a long day.
The morning workout also tends to encourage healthier eating habits. After a morning workout, people tend to eat less and make healthier food choices throughout the day, as to not ruin their perceived progress. The morning workout will also leave you feeling less stressed, and more relaxed for the day.
Morning Workout Benefits
More Consistent
More Energetic
Encourages Healthy Eating
Likely To Eat Less
More Relaxed/Less Stressed
Better Sleep
Afternoon/Evening Workout
The primary benefit of afternoon or evening workouts is that if you are a night owl, or not a morning person, this is the time that works for you and your body. Morning workouts are not for everyone. You are not going to have a good workout if you are sluggish, or half asleep.
Another benefit is that your body and muscles are warmed up from moving all day. Also surprisingly your blood pressure and heart rate are lower in the afternoon, while strength and endurance are high.
The big benefit for later workouts is that it is easier to find a workout buddy for afternoon, and evening workouts. People who have workout partners tend to stay more motivated and committed, than those who do not have a partner.
Evening Benefits
Motivation
Workout Partner
Body Warmed Up
Low Blood Pressure/Low Heart Rate
High Strength and Endurance
If you are a morning person, and can get up every morning at 5 or 6am to hit the gym or go for a walk or run then you should do that. If you have no time in morning, but love your evening walks, then that is the plan.
There is no scientific evidence that proves that a morning or evening workout will give you a more caloric burn advantage. However, a morning workout is said to jump start your metabolism. The most important thing is to exercise , and be as healthy as you can.
When do you exercise? Are you are an early bird or a night owl?
