When is the best time to exercise?

Is it better to exercise in the morning or the evening?  This is a question that comes up often and it seems to be a debate that never seems to get settled.

The truth is, it’s a personal choice.  When it comes down to it, the best time to work out is whenever you can do it.  The benefits of exercise come with consistency which is why it’s so important to find a regular slot in your schedule that works for you.

Morning Workout

The Pros

For a lot of people, getting exercise done and out of the way early in the day is the best way of helping them stay consistent and on track.  Putting exercise off until later in the day can create too many opportunities for other priorities to distract you from doing the workout you intended.  Another benefit of working out in the morning is that it helps set a great foundation to make healthier choices throughout the day.  You are more likely to want to build upon the great start you’ve had and eat well for the remainder of the day after you’ve had a great morning session.

The Cons

Some of us are wired to feel more energetic later in the day.  If that sounds like you, then working out in the morning may not work as well for you as you’re less likely to enjoy it.  If you’re not enjoying your workouts then you’re less likely to stay consistent.  Another reason you may want to avoid a morning workout is if you tend to feel stiff in the mornings after you’ve woken up.  Feeling stiff during a workout can compromise movement.

Evening Workout

The Pros

Studies have shown that people may have more power and strength during early evening workouts compared with morning workouts.  Working out in the late afternoon or early evening has been associated with lower stress levels and improved anaerobic performance.

The Cons

As I mentioned earlier, you may find that it’s more difficult to stick to a set schedule as other demands add to your day that may prevent you from fitting your workout in.  Also, if you exercise in the evening, you may find that it keeps your core temperature elevated for longer and therefore can delay the transition, during sleep, to the restorative deep sleep phase.

The bottom line is, the best time of day to workout comes down to being consistent and getting into a routine that meets the needs of your long-term fitness goals.  Find a schedule that works for you as well as the motivation to keep it consistent.  The more consistent you are the easier and more quickly you’ll form a routine and meet your goals.