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What is the best time to workout?
By Christina | August 19, 2008
I believe the best time to exercise is whenever you can. Most of us have family and work responsibilities which may mean that regardless of what the studies say, we need to get our workout in whenever we can. Here are some of the latest specific research findings regarding the best time to exercise:
Late Afternoon is Best for Exercise - Research shows that the optimal time to exercise is when our body temperature is at its highest, which, for most people is 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (body temperature is at its lowest just before waking).
Strength workouts are best in the Afternoon - We have more strength as the day goes on. Strength output is 5% higher at around mid-day and anaerobic performance, such as sprinting, improves by 5% in the late afternoon.
Endurance is Greater in the Afternoon - Aerobic capacity also referred to as endurance is approximately 4% higher in the afternoon.
Injuries Are Less Likely in the Afternoon - In the afternoon we are at our most alert; our body temperature is the highest so our muscles are warm and flexible; and our muscle strength is at its greatest. The combination of these three factors make it less likely that we will get injured in the p.m.
Morning Exercisers Are More Consistent - Even though afternoon exercise might be optimal from a physiological standpoint, research also shows that morning exercisers are more likely to stick to it that late-day athletes.
For many years I was an afternoon/ evening exerciser and could not imagine having to workout first thing in the day. During the past few years I have found that due to scheduling issues I have switched to early workouts and now I much prefer a 530am workout now to anything after 9am. In the end, anytime you can get yourself motivated and moving is all that matters.
Be safe and always check with your doctor before you start any program of exercise.
Topics: Exercise, General, que-ans |
March 8th, 2011 at 2:05 am
I totally agree with you Christina. Any time is the best time to exercise especially with my busy schedule. I used to work erratic day and night shifts and couldn’t fit in a regular workout schedule. As long as you find the time to exercise and eat right, there’s no worry of gaining weight and other health risks.