Fitness: What Is the Best Time To Exercise

Some people try to exercise before work.  Others stop by the gym on the way home from work.   Others try to fit it in any chance they can, whenever they can. They might not exercise at the same time every day, just a little bit here and there when they have a few minutes. However, some say that it is more important to work out at the same time every day because this puts you into a routine and makes exercising a good habit.

So what is the best time to exercise?

• Perks of morning exercise. Morning is often best for people who struggle to find time to exercise. Though it is hard to get out of bed, many people will find excuses not to exercise later. So, for most people, it is best to get it out of the way first thing in the morning.

People who exercise in the morning are generally the most consistent  with their work outs. Studies have also shown that people who exercise in the morning sleep better at night.

• Perks of lunch time exercise. It can be nice to exercise during your lunch break, if you have enough time. Maybe others that you work with will join you, allowing you to have some company and stay motivated. Just make sure that you eat after you exercise.
• Perks of exercising after work. Many people are most motivated to exercise after work because they pass by a gym on their way home. This way, they don’t have to struggle to get out of bed earlier in the morning and they don’t go home and find themselves with no motivation to exercise once they do get home.

Studies have shown that people, who exercise after work, work out harder than people who exercise in the morning. They also generally do not have as many injuries because they are more alert after work. It can also be a good stress relief, especially if you have a stressful job.

• Perks of exercising before bed. Generally, exercising before you go to bed is not the best idea. Often, you might have trouble sleeping. The few hours before bed should be used to lower your heart rate so that you are able to sleep. However, if you are only able to exercise before bed, your workout might be stronger because you are more alert than in the morning.
• Perks of exercising whenever you get a chance. Unfortunately, when you exercise when you have a few minutes, you are not keeping up with a routine so this can be hard to make fitness a priority. It can be easy to squeeze in one more thing in your to-do list instead of fitting in a short time for exercise. However, some people are so busy and their schedule is so packed, it might be the only way for them to exercise. At least they are trying to fit some type of activity into their life.

No matter when you exercise, it is more important to do it when it works best for you and your schedule. The important thing is to find a good time and stick with it. Most people can’t work out before bed because they will have trouble sleeping. Also, you should always eat after you exercise, instead of before. So, whether you work out in the morning, during lunch, after work, or before you go to bed, just make sure that you get your heart rate up and be consistent.