If you re looking to start an exercise routine one of the first things you may be wondering is what time of day is best to get moving While there is no one size fits all answer to this question there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to exercise in the morning or evening .
If you're looking to start an exercise routine, one of the first things you may be wondering is what time of day is best to get moving. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, there are a few things to consider when deciding whether to exercise in the morning or evening.
Table of Contents
- Benefits of Morning Exercise
- Benefits of Evening Exercise
- How to Decide What Time to Exercise
- Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Exercise Routine
- Tips for Staying Motivated to Exercise
- Solution for Those Who Can't Decide
- FAQs
- Pros and Cons of Morning vs. Evening Exercise
- Conclusion
Benefits of Morning Exercise
Many people find that they have more energy in the morning, making it an ideal time to exercise. Morning exercise can also help boost your metabolism, which can help you burn more calories throughout the day. Additionally, working out in the morning can help you establish a routine and make exercise a daily habit.
However, it's important to note that if you're not a morning person, forcing yourself to exercise early in the day may not be the best option for you. You may find that you're too tired or sluggish to get a good workout in, which can be frustrating and demotivating.
Benefits of Evening Exercise
On the other hand, many people find that exercising in the evening helps them relieve stress and unwind after a long day. Additionally, working out in the evening can help you avoid the midday slump and give you an energy boost to power through the rest of your day.
However, exercising in the evening can make it difficult to fall asleep if you're not careful. Make sure to finish your workout at least a few hours before bedtime to allow your body to wind down and get ready for sleep.
How to Decide What Time to Exercise
Ultimately, the best time to exercise is the time that works best for you and your schedule. Consider your daily routine and when you have the most energy to devote to exercise. If you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, it may be best to schedule your workouts for the evening. On the other hand, if you tend to have a lot of energy in the morning, try working out first thing to take advantage of that energy boost.
Step-by-Step Guide to Creating an Exercise Routine
If you're new to exercise or looking to create a more consistent routine, here are a few steps to help you get started:
- Set a goal: Whether you want to lose weight, gain muscle, or simply improve your overall health, setting a specific goal can help you stay motivated and focused.
- Create a plan: Decide how often you want to exercise and what types of workouts you want to do. Make sure to choose activities that you enjoy to help keep you motivated.
- Start small: If you're new to exercise, start with shorter workouts and gradually increase the length and intensity over time.
- Track your progress: Keep track of your workouts and your progress toward your goals. This can help you stay motivated and see the progress you're making.
- Stay accountable: Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class to help keep you accountable and motivated.
Tips for Staying Motivated to Exercise
Even if you're exercising at the best time for you, it can still be difficult to stay motivated to work out. Here are a few tips to help keep you on track:
- Set small, achievable goals to help you stay motivated and see progress.
- Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class to help keep you accountable.
- Mix it up: Try new activities or workouts to keep things interesting and prevent boredom.
- Make exercise enjoyable: Choose activities that you enjoy to help keep you motivated and make exercise something to look forward to.
Solution for Those Who Can't Decide
If you still can't decide whether morning or evening exercise is best for you, why not try both? Experiment with different workout times and see what works best for you. You may find that you prefer different types of workouts at different times of day.
FAQs
Is it better to exercise in the morning or evening for weight loss?
There is no clear answer to this question, as the best time to exercise for weight loss depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, some studies suggest that morning exercise can help boost your metabolism and burn more calories throughout the day.
Can exercising in the evening affect sleep?
Exercising too close to bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep, as it can raise your body temperature and stimulate your nervous system. To avoid this, finish your workout at least a few hours before bedtime and allow your body time to wind down.
Pros and Cons of Morning vs. Evening Exercise
Pros of Morning Exercise:
- Boosts metabolism
- Establishes a routine
- Can increase energy for the day
Cons of Morning Exercise:
- May be difficult for non-morning people
- May be too tired or sluggish for a good workout
Pros of Evening Exercise:
- Relieves stress
- Can give an energy boost for the rest of the day
- May be easier to fit into schedule
Cons of Evening Exercise:
- May make it difficult to fall asleep
- May conflict with other evening activities
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best time to exercise is the time that works best for you and your schedule. Whether you prefer morning or evening workouts, the most important thing is to make exercise a consistent part of your routine. By setting goals, creating a plan, and staying motivated, you can achieve your fitness goals and improve your overall health.
