Whether performed in the day or night, exercise indeed does good for our body. However, we always find it difficult to decide whether to go to the gym in the morning or evening. There can be many reasons behind it, like a busy work schedule and social life among others. The debate, Exercise in morning vs evening, is ever going. Nonetheless, let’s just try to make things simple here!
There is no denying the fact that exercise is essential for every individual. It improves our cardiovascular health, develops muscle mass, boosts the immune system, decreases stress, improves sleep, and impacts our overall well-being positively. As per research, a person should engage themselves in vigorous exercise for about 75 to 150 minutes and if doing moderate exercise, then they should indulge in 150 to 300 minutes each week. Not only does this help us get fit physically, but physical exercise indeed boosts our mental health and well-being.
The question that arises the most is if the timings for exercise really matter, let’s find an answer!
Does Timing Matter for Exercise?
It is a fact that the timing of your workout can influence your performance, energy levels, and how well you recover after. While research has shown that working out at any time of the day can be beneficial, some studies demonstrated that the human body’s circadian rhythm plays an important role in how we respond to exercise. For instance, our body’s temperature, hormone level, and muscle function fluctuate throughout the day, and it significantly can affect your workout. By planning your workout time with your body’s rhythms, you may optimize your performance and results.
Furthermore, many people have their workout schedules fixed while many struggle. If we talk about the best time for exercise, it is the time when an individual feels most energetic. If someone is not able to fix their schedule, what should matter to them most is consistency, being consistent in your workout is most important. So, we can say that one should pick timing that suits them well, whether morning exercise workout or evening. One of the notable things is that morning and evening exercises have their informed benefits.
Morning Exercise and its Benefits
Morning exercise workout is beneficial, especially when performed empty stomach, it is the best way to burn fat, an ideal timing for weight loss. In general, morning workouts can help us boost metabolism, improve our mood, and regulate our sleep-wake cycle. Various studies have shown that morning exercise, i.e. workout early in the day can lead to better adherence to a fitness routine, as it is comparatively easier to avoid distractions and unwanted obligations that may arise later.
Here’s why to go for morning exercise!
- Morning exercise workout can help us make healthier choices and schedules.
- We can boost our metabolism with morning exercise.
- Morning exercise improves sleep better.
- Further, it gives us mental clarity and promotes overall well-being.
- As mentioned above, morning exercise supports weight loss and appetite control.
Drawbacks – If we look at the drawbacks, there are no major withdrawals to morning exercise workout. It is just to note that morning exercises might not be ideal for every individual, especially if they are not naturally a morning person. Our body temperature is lower in the morning, which can lead to stiffness and reduced flexibility. Further, not everyone can consume a proper meal in the morning, thus, your energy levels might be lower, which could affect performance.
Evening Exercise and Its Benefits
Working out in the evening is convenient for many people as it provides a relaxing feeling after a busy day of work. Evening exercise provides various advantages, particularly if someone is looking to maximize their performance.
Evening workout can be a great option for individuals who prefer high-intensity exercises or strength training. Many people experience improved strength, endurance, and physical performance during evening workouts as their muscles are warmed up and more awake. Let us mention that many studies suggest that hormone levels, such as testosterone, also peak later in the day, most probably boosting muscle growth and recovery. Evening workouts can also be considered as a good way to de-stress after a long day, helping to improve our mood and sleep quality.
- Evening exercise helps get a better sleep.
- It releases the tension from the body, i.e. help an individual to reduce the stress.
- Further, evening workouts help in burning fat.
- Another important point is that physical activity in the evening can boost cognitive function, etc.
Drawbacks- If we talk about the drawbacks, then we can say that evening workouts are great for performance, however, they may interfere with sleep for some people. High-intensity evening exercise can boost the heart rate of an individual and stimulate the nervous system, making it difficult to cool down before bedtime. Further, it can be also difficult for people who have busy schedules, as work or social commitments may interfere.
Afternoon Exercise as an Option
We cannot overlook the people who have altered schedules and prefer to workout in the afternoon, it can surely be an option. The afternoon exercise session might be an answer to the debate “exercise in morning vs evening” as it offers a balance between the morning and evening, many people find it an optimal time. In the afternoon, our body temperature is slightly elevated, which can boost performance, thus it can impact positively. Another benefit is to overcome the midday slump as an afternoon workout boosts the low energy level, it gives you refreshed energy. Afternoon workouts further allow us to refuel with lunch before and recharge with an afternoon snack afterward, providing energy and aiding recovery.
Many people get confused about the exercises, such as which one they go for! So, here’s the solution, you can get the help from a workout app. Explore the best workout apps!
Finding Your Optimal Workout Time
If we conclude about exercise in morning vs evening, it all comes down to the time that suits us well, the time, lifestyle, and sustainability that feels good in the long term. You can experiment with different times so that you can find out the time when you are most energetic and motivated. The tip is to always listen to your body and observe how you feel before, during, and after exercise, it can guide you to your optimal workout time.
Further, if you’re someone who’s struggling to make a workout schedule, you can explore options such as Anytime Fitness as it offers convenient 24*7 access to the gym, along with the trained and certified trainers for your assistance. Explore the Anytime Fitness membership!
