best timing for a workout depends on the individual. If you have a hectic job, demanding family, bustling social life, or all of the above, the morning might be the only time you can even fit in a workout. Although you may come to life at night, realistically, an evening workout just may not fit into your schedule.
If this sounds like you, skip the research, and turn on that alarm clock. Gradually start to wake up 5 minutes earlier each week until you are able to get at least 30 minutes of sweat before you start your day.
In the same vein, there are people who are not cut out for that early morning life. You may have tried and failed over and over. They have never, ever been able to sleep before 1 A.M.
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If this sounds like you, then work with what you got. You’ll be most successful by front-loading all of your responsibilities in the morning or afternoon, and hitting the gym after dinner if you have to. Don’t worry about not being able to sleep. Science has found working out in the morning or at night can help you fall into a deeper sleep. Just give yourself a couple of hours before bedtime for a good night’s sleep.
Alternatively, if the early morning is not a possibility for your exercise routine, you might consider a midday workout during a lunch break so that you don’t fall prey to after-work temptations like happy hour, or Netflix and chilling.
So, the answer to this ongoing debate is, to do what works for you. If your schedule allows you to get to the gym at the end of the day and this is when you feel most energized, then that’s the time for you. If you leave work with zero energy and constantly skip out on your post-work gym time, then a morning or even a midday workout is your best bet. The time of day when you can consistently block out 30 minutes to an hour is the time that is best for you, plain and simple.
What time do you prefer to work out? Tell us in the comments!
Sharita Jennings is a fitness and travel enthusiast and creator of Get Fit Like That, LLC. She is a health policy attorney and ACE certified group fitness instructor and fitness nutrition specialist. She provides online fitness plans and leads group fitness classes in Washington DC. Check out her fitness tips and workouts at GetFitLikeThat.com.