If you’re trying to establish a regular exercise routine, you may be wondering whether it’s better to work out in the morning or evening. Here are some things to consider.
Morning Exercise Benefits and Drawbacks
One of the main benefits of exercising in the morning is that it can help to energize you and set a positive tone for the rest of the day. By getting your heart rate up and your blood pumping at American Top Team early in the morning, you may find that you feel more alert and focused throughout the day.
Moreover, morning exercise can help to regulate your circadian rhythm, making it easier to fall asleep and wake up at consistent times each day.
Another benefit of morning exercise is that it can be easier to fit into your schedule. Since most people have fewer commitments in the morning, you may be able to find a consistent time each day to exercise without worrying about scheduling conflicts.
It can also help to ensure that you actually follow through with your workout, as you’ll be less likely to skip it due to other obligations that may arise throughout the day.
However, there are also some drawbacks. For one, you may find it more difficult to warm up and get moving in the early hours of the day, which can increase your risk of injury.
Plus, if you’re not used to exercising in the morning, it may take some time to adjust your body to this new routine.
You may also find that you’re more prone to muscle soreness and fatigue after a morning workout, which can make it harder to perform other tasks throughout the day.
Evening Exercise Benefits and Drawbacks
If you prefer to exercise in the evening, there are also plenty of benefits to consider. For one, it can be a great way to unwind and de-stress after a long day. Exercise has been shown to release endorphins, which can help to boost your mood and alleviate feelings of anxiety and depression. Additionally, it can help to tire you out and make it easier to fall asleep at night.
Another benefit of evening exercise is that it can help you to work off any excess energy you may have built up throughout the day. If you sit at a desk for most of the day, for example, your body may be craving movement and activity by the time you get home.
By engaging in some form of physical activity in the evening whether at Anytime Fitness or at home, you can help to satisfy this need and ensure that you’re getting the daily exercise your body requires.
However, there are also some potential drawbacks to working out in the evening. For one, it can be harder to fit into your schedule if you have other commitments, such as dinner plans or family obligations.
Exercising too close to bedtime may also interfere with your sleep, making it harder to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night. If you’re going to exercise in the evening, it’s generally recommended that you finish your workout at least two hours before bedtime to allow your body time to wind down.
Do You Burn More Fat When Exercising in the Morning?
The timing of exercise can affect the number of calories burned, but the difference between exercising in the morning and evening may not be significant enough to make a major impact on weight loss.
Several studies have suggested that exercising in the morning may lead to burning slightly more calories during the day, due to an increased metabolism and the potential for more movement and activity throughout the day.
However, other research has suggested that exercising in the evening may lead to burning slightly more calories during the workout itself, due to increased muscle strength and flexibility at that time of day.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, the best time to work out is whenever you can. If your only time of day to workout is before you head to work then morning is your best bet. On the other hand, if you prefer to do a 20-minute HIIT right before you get ready for bed, then that can work too.
What I’m basically trying to say here is that the best-best time of day to exercise is in a schedule that enables you to stick to it for weeks or even months.
Learn more about the best time to workout here: