
Whatever your goals are, you probably already know that consistency is the key. You may have given thought to when the best time of day is for exercise, and how many days a week. Being physically active every day is ideal. This does not mean you have to put in a long, rigorous workout everyday. You may want to do that three or four days a week, and on your off days go for a brisk walk, bike ride or swim.
What Time Of Day Should I Work Out?
Whatever time you feel that you are most likely to feel energetic and least likely to be interrupted or have something else to do. You want to give yourself as much of an advantage as possible. Developing a workout habit is hard. It can be easy to decide you are too tired or too busy. Choose a time of the day that works for you so you’ll be more likely to stick with it.
There are other factors to consider, depending on your individual goals. If weight loss is your primary goal, then working out in the early morning is your best bet. Studies show people who begin their day with a workout tend to not overeat and to make healthy choices for the rest of the day. It also seems that people who choose morning workouts are able to be more consistent.
For those who are looking to build muscle, late afternoon seems to be the ideal time. It is at this time of day that people are at their peak of strength and performance, and testosterone levels are at their highest.
If you’re looking to achieve a personal best, whether it be a sport, training for a marathon or improving your lap time, the time of day isn't as important as making sure that the time stays the same. Exercising at the same time of day makes it easier to track performance, and easier to stay consistent.
Do What Works For You
This is really the bottom line. Regardless of your short or long-term goals, you want to develop a habit. The folks at the Downtown Athletic Club are here to help you. Whether you need a personal trainer to keep you on track, or enjoy the social atmosphere of a group class, our state of the art club can help you achieve your goals.