I tend to agree with meditating first thing in the day, especially if starting out. That's if its a Spiritual meditation. It not only makes it easier, due to less distractions, but it also reinforces the importance of, and faith in, Spirit, and exerts Self control over the external experiences. To end the meditation, it is also a good time to visualise wordly choices. Spirit can then work its 'magic' in daily affairs. Later, when focus is better, Spiritual meditation needs to be practised anytime, in any situation, to improve focus under any circumstances. One thing I notice, and took ages to 'realise', or learn myself, is what meditating really means. How beautiful, amazing, and awesome is it to 'surrender', or choose and express/experience what it is that makes everything and anything possible. What it is that is never ending, perfect, overall fulfilment, wanting for nothing, needing nothing, yet capable of anything... fearless, pure good. Choosing the primal state of the amasing best for all. How can meditating on that be anything but deluxe? No need to strain, worry, struggle, just keep choosing, surrendering to that choice, allowing it fully. The funny thing is, some people 'get it' virtually instantly.
Exercise's effect can depend on the type, and way you do it. I train for maximum testosterone levels, so after a workout isn't easy for me to meditate. I understand why monks, guru's and so on advocate the diets and lifestyles they do. They lower testosterone, making it easy to control thoughts and emotions. Race horse owners know all about the effects of diet and training on their 'spirited' charges. So it is something to think about. Ideally the meditative state becomes easier and easier in all situations, but until then, I know it matters what type of exercise you do and when you do it.
