There is no single best time to exercise—it basically depends on your body, schedule, and fitness goals. Some people love working out in the morning, while others prefer in the evening. Let’s take a look at the benefits of exercising at different times of the day so you can choose what works best for you.
Morning vs evening workout: What is the Best Time to Exercise?
Morning Workouts (6 AM – 10 AM)
Morning workouts can energize and enhance your positivity for the day ahead.
Benefits:
- Enhances metabolism: aids calorie burning throughout the day.
- Increases workout consistency: reduces distractions and the likelihood of skipping sessions.
- Boosts mood: triggers the release of endorphins, improving your feelings.
- Promotes fat burning: exercising before breakfast may enhance fat loss.
Challenges:
- Your body might feel stiff, so warming up is extra important.
- If you’re not a morning person, it may feel tough to get started.
Best for: People who want to build a morning routine, lose weight, or feel energized all day.
Afternoon Workouts (12 PM – 4 PM)
If you have free time in the afternoon, this can be a great time to exercise.
Benefits:
- Enhanced strength and endurance: Your body is warmed up and primed for action.
- Better performance: Studies show that muscle strength and reaction time peak in the afternoon.
- Good for stress relief: a great way to take a break from work or daily tasks.
Challenges:
- It can be difficult if you have a busy schedule or work during the day.
- If you eat a big lunch, you may feel sluggish.
Ideal for those looking to enhance performance and integrate movement into their day.
Evening Workouts (5 PM – 9 PM)
Many people feel their strongest in the evening, making it a popular workout time.
Benefits:
- More energy and strength: your muscles are fully warmed up.
- Reduces stress: helps you relax after a long day.
- Better flexibility: Your body is naturally more flexible in the evening.
Challenges:
- If you exercise too late, it might make it harder to sleep.
- After a long day, you may feel tired and unmotivated.
Ideal for those looking to build strength, reduce stress, or engage in a social workout.
So, when is the best time to exercise?
It depends on your goal:
- For weight loss → Morning (exercising before breakfast may burn more fat).
- For muscle gain → Evening (your body is stronger and more flexible).
- For general fitness → Anytime that fits your schedule and makes you feel good.
Final Tip: The ideal time to work out is when you can do so consistently. Select a time that suits you and commit to it!
