When Is the Best Time to Exercise?
Morning workouts, evening workouts, workouts over lunch… the list goes on and on. Is there really a best time to exercise? This seems to be a huge debate as there are many factors to consider when trying to answer this question.
Some people think that if they get up and grind first thing in the morning, they’ll get better results. Others think that if they eat throughout the day, that all that fuel they ate will help them crush a workout at night. Everyone has their own thought process for the best time to exercise.
In this article, we are going to dive deeper into if there really is a best time to exercise and what you need to know in order to figure it out for yourself.
Disclaimer: It is recommended that you speak with your doctor before starting any exercise program.
Is There Really a Best Time to Exercise?
The answer is something that many people hate to hear. What is the answer? “IT DEPENDS.”
That being said, let’s look at the different times to determine if there is truly a best time to exercise for YOU. Let’s dive into it.
Can You Burn More Fat During Certain Times of Day?
The idea of burning more fat during certain times of the day is a topic of debate among researchers and fitness experts. Some studies suggest that there may be variations in the body’s metabolism and fat-burning capabilities based on circadian rhythms.
The circadian rhythm is the body’s internal clock that regulates various physiological processes over a 24-hour cycle. Some research indicates that the body may burn more fat during certain times of the day, such as in the morning, due to increased sensitivity to insulin and other hormonal factors.
However, it’s essential to note that the overall impact of timing on fat loss is likely to be relatively small compared to factors like overall calorie intake, exercise intensity, and duration. Consistency and adherence to a regular exercise routine and a balanced diet are more critical for achieving and maintaining weight loss or fat loss goals.
While there may be some evidence suggesting potential variations in fat metabolism based on the time of day, the broader focus should be on maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise and a well-balanced diet. Individual preferences, schedules, and overall adherence to healthy habits play a significant role in achieving fitness goals.
Is the Best Time to Exercise Early in the Morning?
If you are a morning person and love to wake up early and beat the sun, it would be advantageous to jump out of bed and right into the gym. Morning workouts help give you energy throughout the day as well as freeing up your schedule so you don’t need to structure a workout later on when you’re busy taking care of business and spending time with your family. If this sounds like you and it fits your schedule the best, then clearly this is the best time to exercise.
Are Afternoon Workouts the Best Time to Exercise?
If mornings don’t work and your evenings are dedicated to family-time, afternoon workouts would be a great option. Those who get a lunch break (normally around an hour) have enough time to quickly hit the gym hard and then get back to work. This is great if you have an understanding boss who allows you to then eat your lunch while working at your desk. Something you need to think about though, is that the lunch-hour workout isn’t a secret. Many other people share the same thought process, so expect the gym to be busy during this timeframe.
Another afternoon option would be to hit the gym right after work. Again, this is generally a busier timeframe, but when you need to get in your workout, you’ll take the timeslot that you’re given. It also works out well that after your workout you have the ability to go straight home and eat a nutritious meal to start the rebuilding and recovery process. Look at your schedule and see if this is the best time to exercise.
Can You Get the Best Results from Evening Workouts?
If you’re a night owl and you’re able to hit the gym when many are looking to shut it down for the night and relax or get some sleep, you can hit the gym. The gym floor is generally slower during this period (American’s love their evening television shows) and you should have no problem getting in and out quickly. This timeframe might be the best time to exercise. One thing to take note of is not only your dedication to exercise (at the end of the day energy levels can be drained and therefore you could have a loss of motivation), but some people find if they exercise late at night, they have a difficulty falling asleep.
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