Hey - Dawson here.

Thanks for joining us for another week of FitME. Hope you guys are having a good week and are crushing your fitness goals 💪

One of the most common questions we see is, “Does it matter what time of day I workout?” While the answer isn’t quite as easy as yes or no, we will break down and discuss this topic so you can determine the best time of day to get your workout in.

Morning Workouts
Benefits

For those of you who like to hit the gym first thing in the morning before work, here are some of the benefits are doing this:

• Boosts Metabolism: Working out early has been shown to increase your metabolism and help you burn more calories throughout the day.

• Consistency: Exercising in the morning helps build a consistent routine. You get it done early, and there are fewer distractions to pull you away from your workout.

• Improves Mood: Morning workouts release endorphins that can give you an energy boost and improve your mood for the rest of the day.

• Better Sleep: Studies show that people who exercise early in the day tend to fall asleep faster and sleep more deeply.

Drawbacks

• Your muscles and joints might be stiffer in the morning, increasing the chance of injury if you don’t warm up properly.

• You may feel less energetic if you’re not a natural morning person.

Afternoon/Evening Workouts

Benefits

If you’re more of a late riser or prefer to work out after a long day, here are the benefits of exercising later in the day:

• Peak Performance: Research shows that muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance are higher in the afternoon and evening, which can lead to better performance and more effective workouts.

• Warmer Body Temperature: Your body temperature naturally rises as the day progresses, which can help you feel looser and more prepared for physical activity.

• Stress Relief: If your day has been stressful, an evening workout can help you blow off steam, reduce cortisol (the stress hormone), and end the day on a positive note.

• Social Atmosphere: Gyms and fitness classes are often busier in the evening, giving you the chance to interact with others and stay motivated.

Drawbacks

• Working out too close to bedtime can sometimes disrupt your sleep, especially if your workout is high-intensity.

• The end of the day often brings more distractions, making it easier to skip a session due to work, social plans, or fatigue.

Does Timing Really Matter?

Here’s the truth: The best time to work out is the time that fits your lifestyle and allows you to be consistent. While there are slight performance differences throughout the day, the most important factor is finding a time when you can consistently get your workouts in.

If you feel more energized in the morning, go for it. If your schedule only allows for evening sessions, that’s perfectly fine too! Your body will adapt over time, and the key to progress is consistency, not necessarily the time of day.

How to Choose Your Ideal Workout Time

Here are some tips to help you find the time that best works for YOU:

• Consider Your Energy Levels: Pay attention to when you naturally feel most energetic during the day. If you feel sluggish in the morning but more awake later on, you might perform better in the afternoon.

• Match Your Workouts to Your Goals: If your focus is on heavy strength training, you may perform better in the afternoon or evening when your body is fully awake. If you prefer low-intensity activities like yoga or light cardio, mornings could be your best bet.

• Be Flexible: Life gets busy, and some days, your preferred workout time won’t be possible. Having a flexible schedule where you can work out at different times will help you stay on track, no matter what your day throws at you.

Final Thoughts

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to when you should work out. The best time is simply when you feel at your best and can stick to it long-term. Whether you’re a morning go-getter or an evening warrior, consistency is what leads to results. So, find your groove and make it work for you!

To your health and success,

Dawson 

P.S. Have questions about your calorie needs or how to balance your diet with your fitness goals? Shoot us a message or join the conversation on social media here