We all know that exercising on a regular basis helps get rid of excess pounds. However, not everyone knows when the best time to exercise is. Or is there really a perfect time for it?
If you are wondering if the right time to exercise is morning, afternoon or evening, you are not alone. Many others who want to make the most out of every stride, push-up or bicep curl are on the hunt for the perfect moment. Sorry to say, even fitness experts themselves have differing opinions. Some say it’s in the morning where you can enjoy the most perks, while others affirm that it’s in the afternoon or at the end of the day.
The perfect time to exercise, in a nutshell, depends on your everyday schedule as well as personal preference. In other words, all of the well-known benefits exercising brings — reduced weight, improved mood, reduced risk of heart disease, stronger muscles and so many others — can be obtained regardless of the schedule, for as long as you workout for at least 20 minutes a day and not less than 5 times a week.
Let us take a look at the respective pros and cons of morning, afternoon and evening exercises to help you determine at which time you should put on your pair of athletic shoes:
Morning Exercising
- PRO: Many prefer to exercise in the morning just to get it done and over with. Once you’re through with it, you can devote your time and energy solely to your other tasks and responsibilities ahead.
- PRO: If you exercise at the gym, you are not going to have problems with the use of machines. There is no denying that an early workout saves you from exercising in a crowded space.
- PRO: Exercising in the morning allows you to generate energy. Especially if you have a very busy day ahead, a morning workout helps your body get primed for it.
- CON: Exercising in the morning puts you at higher risk of injury since your muscles and joints are still stiff. Especially if you fail to do enough warm ups, an injury is very likely to strike.
- CON: You have to wake up earlier than usual just to have plenty of time for exercising. Otherwise, you might get a memo from your boss related to your tardiness.
Afternoon Exercising
- PRO: You can perform much better in the afternoon since your mind is already wide awake and your energy levels are at their peak. In other words, you can get the most out of your workout.
- PRO: Muscle strengthening and toning become more effective in the afternoon because fitness experts say that the synthesis of protein is better at such time of the day.
- PRO: It gives you a dose of energy to get through the bottom half of the day. Exercising enables your body to generate more energy, helping you to complete the remainder of your day’s tasks and responsibilities.
- CON: It is very much likely for the gym to be already packed. Exercising in the afternoon usually involves sharing the time with people who don’t like to exercise in the morning.
- CON: You may easily feel fatigued. Since the temperature is at its peak, you may not be able to do every single routine that you want to do, especially if you fail to take plenty of fluids.
Evening Exercising
- PRO: You can devote your 100 percent to exercising. With your day’s tasks and responsibilities completed, there is no need for you to focus on anything else but your workout.
- PRO: It helps lower your stress levels. We all know that exercising is a great stress-buster, and that’s why being a night exerciser can help you get rid of stress and ultimately the negatives it brings.
- PRO: More workout choices are available. Most gyms offer all sorts of classes at night, which means that exercising is less likely to become boring when it’s done at the end of the day.
- CON: Your sleep may get disrupted. Especially if you lose track of time and you exercise your way until the late hours, it’s not unlikely for you to end up wide awake throughout the night.
- CON: Your energy levels may already be low. While it’s true that exercising helps energize you, it can be very difficult to get started if your energy is completely zapped at the end of a busy day.
Source: bembu.com
