Hi there,
Welcome back to ‘Hey Coach Darren’ – the advice column where I’ll be sharing my top three tips on a different topic each week, inspired by real-life scenarios from our current members (and you)!
This week, we’re diving into a question that almost every fitness enthusiast ponders at some point: “Is there a best time of day to exercise?” It’s a fascinating topic because it touches on our daily routines, energy levels, and how we can optimize our workouts for maximum benefit.
A dedicated member of our FitTRAC family, who’s facing a schedule shake-up and is curious about the timing of his workouts, submitted the following question to help us explore the topic at hand:
“Hey Coach Darren, I’ve been consistently hitting the gym in the evenings after work, and it’s been great for unwinding and de-stressing. However, I’m about to start a new job that might require me to switch my workout sessions to the morning.
I’ve heard various opinions on morning vs. evening workouts, and I’m a bit confused. Is there really a ‘best’ time to exercise, or is it more about what fits into one’s schedule?
I want to make sure I’m getting the most out of my workouts and not disrupting my progress. Thanks for your advice!”
Change can be tough, and a change as big as moving your workouts from one part of the day to a completely different part of the say can be a challenging adjustment! But, you’ll adjust. And you’ll still be able to stay on track towards your fitness goals. Here’s how:
No ‘Best’ Time, Just Your Time: It’s crucial to highlight that there is no universally ‘best’ time to exercise.
Scientific studies have shown benefits to working out at various times of the day, but these benefits can vary depending on individual goals, body rhythms, and lifestyle factors. Some people are naturally morning larks, feeling energized and ready to tackle a workout first thing. Others are night owls, finding their stride later in the day.
Since you’re transitioning to morning workouts, give your body time to adjust to the new routine, and pay attention to how you feel. It might take a little experimentation to find your groove. The most important factor is that you are exercising consistently.
Whether it’s morning, noon, or night, choosing a time when you can commit to your workout routine regularly is what truly matters. Celebrate the fact that you’re dedicating time to your health and fitness, regardless of the clock.
Consider Your Workout Goals & the Psychological Benefits: For the most part, there is no ‘best’ time to work out. But there are some different potential benefits to working out during certain times of the day.
If your goal is to build muscle, research suggests that afternoon or evening workouts might be slightly more effective, as your body temperature is higher, potentially increasing muscle function and strength, as well as enzyme activity.
However, if your aim is weight loss or improving cardiovascular health, morning workouts could help you maintain consistency by getting your exercise done before other daily responsibilities take over.
Consider the psychological impacts of exercising at different times, too. Morning workouts can imbue you with a sense of accomplishment that carries throughout the day, boosting mood and mental clarity. Evening exercise, on the other hand, can serve as a powerful wind-down mechanism, helping to relieve the stress of the day.
Reflect on what psychological benefits you hope to gain from your exercise routine and schedule your workouts accordingly. Whether you’re seeking to kickstart your day with energy or unwind before bed, aligning your workout time with your mental health goals can amplify the positive impacts of your fitness journey.
Monitor Your Sleep Patterns: Exercise timing can affect your sleep quality. Working out in the morning or afternoon can help regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythms, potentially leading to better sleep quality.
However, if you prefer evening workouts (or are forced into them by a schedule change), try to finish at least 1-2 hours before bedtime to avoid potential disruptions to your sleep cycle. Pay attention to how exercising at different times affects your sleep and adjust accordingly.
Good sleep is crucial for recovery, performance, and overall well-being, making it an important factor to consider when planning your workout schedule.
Life is unpredictable, and your schedule might not always align with your ideal workout time. Instead of seeing this as a setback, view it as an opportunity to become more adaptable and resilient. Remember, the goal is to keep moving and stay healthy, no matter what time it is.
Stay tuned for next week’s ‘Hey Coach Darren’ where I’ll be sharing more valuable tips to help you become happier, healthier, and stronger.
Stronger Together,
Coach Darren
P.S. Do you need help with your health and fitness? Just hit ‘Learn more’ and I’ll be sure to give you some tips in an upcoming ‘Hey Coach Darren’ blog post.