Experts offer tips on finding out the best time of day for your workout. So when really is the best time for a workout?
The best time of day to do you workout or exercise is the time that works best for you. Studies were made on this topic and there are benefits in exercising in the morning or in later in the day.
It all comes down to personal preference and lifestyle. Choose a time that helps you make exercise a consistent and regular part of your routine.
What is the Best Time to Exercise?
It is All About Finding Your Rhythm
Your body’s circadian rhythm determines whether you are a morning person or a night owl. There is not much you can do to change it.
Circadian rhythm is governed by the 24 hour pattern of the earth’s rotation. These rhythms influence your body functions such as body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and hormone levels, all of which play a role in your body’s readiness for exercise.
You use your body clock as a guide, to when you are going for a walk or hit the gym. Though there are other important considerations, such as your family, work schedules or your friend’s availability to walk with you.
Benefits of Morning Exercise
Study suggests that those individuals, who exercise in the morning tend to be more consistent with their workout routine. The idea is you will get your exercise routine in before any other events, or distractions of the day interfere, thus setting yourself up for higher success.
Morning exercise might also be a good choice for stress-free sleeping. Since exercise increases your heart rate and body temperature, working out too late in the evening, which is generally after 8 p.m., may disrupt sleep.
Another study showed that working out at 7 a.m., as compared to to 1 p.m. or 7 p.m., may help people sleep much better at night.
Lastly, one study found that 45 minutes of moderate morning exercise, such as walking briskly on the treadmill, helped curb appetite directly after working out. Research also showed that you can burn up to 20% more body fat, when exercising on an empty stomach, which is much easier to do first thing in the morning, than at night.
Benefits of Afternoon Exercise
An afternoon or evening workout, can be the perfect way to unwind. Some individual find that afternoon or evening workouts, are more productive and help relieve some of the stresses of the day.
For others, morning exercise, does not feel good because, when you wake up, your blood sugars may be low and your muscles may feel tight. Afternoon or evening exercise routine, may just seem that much better because your body temperature is naturally elevated, you are more alert and your muscles are flexible and warm.
Also, you have the added benefit of having had the opportunity to get some food in your system, which can help you feel more energized during your exercise routine.
It is most important to find a realistic and consistent workout schedule, no matter what the time. If working out in the morning is the best time for your schedule, just remember to warm up your muscles that might be cold and tight from sleep.
To keep your afternoon workouts consistent, treat them as unbreakable appointments, find a workout companion and keep a gym bag in the car or your office to minimize excuses.
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