Many people with a workout routine couldn’t imagine their day without a morning jog before breakfast, or a little yoga and strength training to get their muscles ready for the day ahead. On the other hand, other people strongly prefer waiting until the evening when their responsibilities are finished to break a sweat and incorporate exercise into their day.
Exercise routines are as vast and different as the people who create them — but is there really a best time of day to work out? The truth is that the best time to exercise is the time that works for you. In other words, whatever helps you to stay consistent and motivated will also help you to stay active and healthy! If you’re looking to plan your own fitness routine and use time to your advantage, take a look at some of the benefits of A.M. and P.M. workouts below.
What Can I Gain from a Morning Exercise Routine?
- Extra Time – By making time to work out in the morning, you reap the benefits of having little to no distractions. As the day goes on, you’re more likely to be pulled away from exercise for work obligations, family demands, important errands and other distractions.
- Added Energy – Engaging in physical activity boosts your energy levels, which can leave you feeling motivated and invigorated throughout the rest of your day. It could be great for your productivity as well because exercise can improve your focus.
- Boosted Metabolic Rate – It’s no secret that exercise helps boost your metabolism, but working out in the morning can help your body continue to burn calories and metabolize throughout the rest of the day.
- More Consistency – Exercise in the morning may keep you on track by motivating you to continue making healthier decisions the rest of the day. For example, you may be less tempted to indulge on unhealthy treats and more focused on the nutrition your body needs.
What Can I Gain from an Afternoon or Evening Exercise Routine?
- More Rhythm – Getting up in the morning with the purpose of exercising can be difficult if you’re not an A.M. person and you struggle to wake up or fall into a rhythm. By the afternoon and evening, you’re body has had time to adjust to the new day.
- Decreased Stress – Taking the time to exercise later on in the day can help you relieve stress by releasing endorphins. This is especially beneficial if you work from a desk or have typically sedentary activity levels during the day. Your body can use this time to recoup, stretch your muscles and improve your mood. This can also help you sleep better!
- Accountability – An evening workout can increase your chances of having a friend, family member or exercise partner to join you in fitness. A fitness friend can help keep you focused and empowered, and make exercise go by a lot faster! For tips on choosing an accountability partner, please CLICK HERE.
- Extend Your Workout Time – If you make exercise your last commitment of the day, you can work out for as long as you see fit because you have no time constraints. You’ll also have plenty of time to cool off and clean up before going to bed!
Just remember — no matter what time of day you exercise, you’ll be reaping plenty of benefits! There is no “right” time. The best time to engage in physical activity is what works and feels best for YOU!
