When's The Best Time To Workout?

It depends highly on your preferences and lifestyle, but here are some facts about different times to get things going.

In the morning 

The largest benefit to exercising in the morning is increased consistency.

Research shows that it's easier to stay consistent with morning workouts because most people have fewer social and work events planned in the morning - life hasn't had the chance to intervene.

Other studies agree, showing that people who work out in the morning stick to their routines better than those that exercise in the evening. In the study, 94% of people that exercised in the morning kept up with it, compared to 87% of evening exercises. And over the years, this can really make a difference.

Another benefit that we shouldn't underestimate is just getting it done. By the time the evening rolls around, you'll have more time to spend with your friends or family - or relax.

In the evening

Are you one of those people who like to unwind after a hard day’s work with a workout? There may be a good reason behind it. As you progress through the day, you’ll find that your body temperature naturally rises, which results in warmer muscles - and therefore better performance.

Multiple studies have found that you’ll perform better at short-duration maximal exercise (like all-out swimming and cycling, jumping, sprinting, and strength workouts) in the evening and have more potential to build muscle mass, because you’re body is primed to produce more of the muscle-building hormone testosterone later on in the day.

Working out in the evening is also a great way to unload after a day’s work - there’s nothing quite like plugging in your music and taking your stress out on a pair of dumbbells - and researchers have found time and time again that exercise reduces levels of the body's stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol whilst boosting the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that are the body's natural painkillers and mood elevators. 

So... morning or night?

The best time to work out depends on you. Research shows that your Chronotype (aka whether you’re a morning person or an evening person) plays a role in when you feel and perform at your best.

Working out is good for you no matter what time of day you do it, just keep it consistent. If you work out in the morning, make sure to have a proper warm up - your muscles might be cold and tight from your sleep. If you workout in the afternoon / evening, schedule these as unbreakable appointments in your calendar (busy day - or not).

Accountability from a certified professional is key in building sustainable habits. At Daily Body Coach, we’ll develop a personalized plan that suits your preferences and adapts to your lifestyle. We'll celebrate with you when it's going well and call you when it isn't. Book a free strategy call with us.