When is the Best Time to Exercise?
There has been quite a bit of curiosity surrounding the ideal time to exercise. As well, there has been an equal amount of controversy to argue morning vs. night, and vice versa. Is there an answer to this common question? When is the ideal time to workout?
Apparently there are nearly an equal number of advocates for bright and early workouts as there are people pushing to support evening workouts. It was once a given that waking up and working out in the wee hours of the morning was the ideal time to fit in that aerobic jumpstart to the rest of your day. First of all, working out in the morning will trigger the metabolism and begin burning calories at a healthy rate early on in the day, and hopefully last throughout the better part of the day. It also seems to be the most opportune time for people to actually stick to their newly created regimens. Studies have shown that people who work out in the morning are more likely to stick to their exercise routines than those who have not selected a particular time to exercise each day, or who have chosen afternoon/evening workouts.
The initiative to promote morning workouts has since been questioned, and even slightly dismissed. There has recently been a transition in focus onto convenience over anything else. This answer is the most operative based on the vastly different needs of people who juggle families, careers, and social lives. It is important for every individual to find what works best for him or her. By choosing to work out in the morning, or in the afternoon, simply based on what specifically feels most comfortable and convenient, the likelihood of maintaining the workout routine is all the greater. Continuing the exercise will produce the greatest results, thus rendering this solution the most practical.
Recent studies, however, have actually concluded that working out in the afternoon or evening may be able to provide tangible results when answering the long lingered question as to when to exercise. Researchers reveal that the body reaches its highest temperature in the afternoon, most often around 2 pm - 4 pm, which creates a prime physical condition for the body to reap the most beneficial results of exercise. As well, the body is proven to be stronger in the afternoon. A recent study conducted over a period of 10 weeks compared experienced weight trainers given 45 minute cardio exercises plus 45 minutes of weight lifting, four times a week. Half of the subjects trained in the morning (before 10am) and the other half in the evening (after 6 pm). Results indicated that the test subjects who worked out in the evening had an overall 3% increase of lean muscle mass with a 4% decrease of body fat. The test subjects who worked out in the morning showed neither a decrease in body fat, nor an increase in lean muscle mass. Though the reasoning behind these results is not for certain, it was speculated that the body is stronger and more equipped to push harder during a workout in the afternoon. It was also surmised that the weight loss was most likely a result of the increased metabolism during a time where it would otherwise naturally begin decreasing for the night.
In conclusion, yes; the ideal time to workout may differ for everyone. We are all different individuals who lead very different lifestyles. Ultimately, finding the time to work out and create an actual daily routine towards a healthier lifestyle is positive no matter what. However, if you are serious about getting the most out of each workout, you may consider the afternoon or evening; where you can really reach your optimum potential all the while reducing the risk of injury. It is a great moment to look forward to each day, a welcome stress reliever, and may also help you sleep better. After all, there is always coffee in the morning. You may as well have a natural pick-me-up for the afternoon too.