Should you exercise in the morning or evening? What is the best time? These questions trouble people when thinking about making the leap into a fitness routine.
However, it is critical to the state from the onset that a workout routine feels different to different people. Both options have their upsides and downsides. So, it's important to consider personal goals, preferences, and lifestyles when thinking about the time of day to exercise.
However, it is critical to the state from the onset that a workout routine feels different to different people. Both options have their upsides and downsides. So, it's important to consider personal goals, preferences, and lifestyles when thinking about the time of day to exercise.
Morning Exercise: Pros and Cons
Pros:
● It boosts energy and metabolism
Stretching the muscles and letting sweat drench the body in the morning is an excellent energy boost. It jumpstarts your metabolism and gives you a burst of energy that lasts throughout the day.
The strain the exercise puts on the body increases the production of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
● It sets the tone for the day
An early morning exercise right after bed keeps your senses sharp for the whole day. You're more likely to make healthy choices throughout the day because you want to keep the mood going. You'll feel accomplished and motivated and less likely to skip your workout or indulge in unhealthy foods.
● It helps establish a routine
Our bodies respond favorably to routines. Teaching the brain to expect intense exercises in the morning helps establish a routine that may morph into a habit. It can be easier to make exercise a habit if you do it at the same time every day.
Cons:
● It requires waking up earlier
Waking up too early may be a problem for some. But if you have a busy schedule, you may not have a choice but to kick the sheets earlier than normal. If you're not a morning person, this can be a struggle.
It can be tempting to hit snooze instead of hitting the gym, leading to the bad habit of skipping fitness sessions or abandoning the routine altogether.
● It may lead to less sleep
What if you cannot get to bed before 11 pm and must wake up early for exercise? The early morning exercises may lead to not sleeping long enough to rest the muscles and for the brain to reset fully.
Additionally, if you're not getting enough sleep, waking up early to exercise can make you feel more tired and sluggish throughout the day.
● It boosts energy and metabolism
Stretching the muscles and letting sweat drench the body in the morning is an excellent energy boost. It jumpstarts your metabolism and gives you a burst of energy that lasts throughout the day.
The strain the exercise puts on the body increases the production of endorphins, which are natural mood boosters that help regulate the sleep-wake cycle.
● It sets the tone for the day
An early morning exercise right after bed keeps your senses sharp for the whole day. You're more likely to make healthy choices throughout the day because you want to keep the mood going. You'll feel accomplished and motivated and less likely to skip your workout or indulge in unhealthy foods.
● It helps establish a routine
Our bodies respond favorably to routines. Teaching the brain to expect intense exercises in the morning helps establish a routine that may morph into a habit. It can be easier to make exercise a habit if you do it at the same time every day.
Cons:
● It requires waking up earlier
Waking up too early may be a problem for some. But if you have a busy schedule, you may not have a choice but to kick the sheets earlier than normal. If you're not a morning person, this can be a struggle.
It can be tempting to hit snooze instead of hitting the gym, leading to the bad habit of skipping fitness sessions or abandoning the routine altogether.
● It may lead to less sleep
What if you cannot get to bed before 11 pm and must wake up early for exercise? The early morning exercises may lead to not sleeping long enough to rest the muscles and for the brain to reset fully.
Additionally, if you're not getting enough sleep, waking up early to exercise can make you feel more tired and sluggish throughout the day.
Evening Exercise: Pros and Cons
Pros:
● It helps relieve stress
Stretching and sweating in the evening is the best stress-relief medicine. It helps clear your mind and prepare the body for a night of deep sleep.
● It can improve sleep
With a tired body after the exercise, you will fall asleep almost instantly. The exercise increases body temperature and releases endorphins, both of which can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
● It may be more convenient
If you have a 9-5 job, there is often plenty of time between exiting the office and bedtime. Thus, working out at this time is the best use of the hours, which would have been spent at a bar or doing activities without benefits.
Cons:
● It may disrupt sleep
Exercising too close to bedtime can actually disrupt your sleep and make it harder to fall asleep. It helps to give your body enough time to cool down and relax after your workout.
● It may be harder to stick to a routine
With a busy day ahead, it can be harder to stick to a regular exercise routine. For example, you may be tempted to skip your workout in favor of other activities or obligations.
● Choosing the Best Time for You
Ultimately, the best time of day to exercise is the one that works best for you. However, you will do yourself more justice if you consider your situation, i.e., lifestyle and nature of work when deciding when to exercise.
Pros:
● It helps relieve stress
Stretching and sweating in the evening is the best stress-relief medicine. It helps clear your mind and prepare the body for a night of deep sleep.
● It can improve sleep
With a tired body after the exercise, you will fall asleep almost instantly. The exercise increases body temperature and releases endorphins, both of which can help you fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
● It may be more convenient
If you have a 9-5 job, there is often plenty of time between exiting the office and bedtime. Thus, working out at this time is the best use of the hours, which would have been spent at a bar or doing activities without benefits.
Cons:
● It may disrupt sleep
Exercising too close to bedtime can actually disrupt your sleep and make it harder to fall asleep. It helps to give your body enough time to cool down and relax after your workout.
● It may be harder to stick to a routine
With a busy day ahead, it can be harder to stick to a regular exercise routine. For example, you may be tempted to skip your workout in favor of other activities or obligations.
● Choosing the Best Time for You
Ultimately, the best time of day to exercise is the one that works best for you. However, you will do yourself more justice if you consider your situation, i.e., lifestyle and nature of work when deciding when to exercise.
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