Best Time to Workout?

What is the best time of day to work out? I get this question all the time by new clients who come into my office. They want the most out of their time, and if there is research out there that shows the best time of the day to workout, then they’ll do it. There are pros and cons to working out at any time of the day. People who prefer exercise in the morning like the fact they feel energized for the day. It also speeds up the metabolism to burn more calories throughout the morning. Metabolism is the number of calories your body burns throughout the day, even when you are sleeping. So it’s like giving your metabolism a little jump start (which is also why it is important to eat a healthy breakfast). It’s a great way to wake up!

Exercising at night is better for building muscle and for your endurance. People generally complete a better and more strenuous workout without feeling as tired as they would in the morning. It also can relieve stress after a hard day at work. They come home feeling refreshed at night. Some people feel it keeps them up at night because they are so energized from their evening workout. Physiologically not possible, those effects from immediate exercise are temporary.

According to research, and much has been done out there, this is a specific time of day when it’s best to workout. Are you ready for the answer? The best time of day to workout is …..whenever it is best for you! Whenever you feel the workout will be most effective and you can put the most effort into it. For those who are morning people, I recommend you get up early and exercise. If you aren’t a morning person then perhaps a lunch break workout or evening trip to the gym is best. But it’s up to you, just make the most of your time to get the best possible workout!