Best time of day to exercise

[Medusa locked]

What is the best time of day to exercise?

I've always heard people say~first thing in the morning, but I, personally get a better session in the afternoon or evening. I've tried the morning, but I find I just don't get the same intensity or quality.

I guess it varies from person to person. Also, how does sleep pattern affect it? And how do people with biphasic or triphasic sleep orientate their workout?

[waterfast]

I agree with you, I feel that the morning is cold because the sun has not warmed up our side of the earth yet.

The middle of the day is too hot as the sun is beaming straight down at us.

But the afternoon is wonderful for going on a walk.

3pm to 5pm in the winter.
and
5pm to 7pm in the summer.

[Medusa locked]

Originally Posted by waterfast

3pm to 5pm in the winter.
and
5pm to 7pm in the summer.

That's about right for me too. That's when I can usually access my peak.

But maybe, it has to do with the fact that I've cycled before I do my session and I've warmed up. But that doesn't explain the off days I don't cycle.

[waterfast]

Originally Posted by Medusa locked

That's about right for me too. That's when I can usually access my peak.

But maybe, it has to do with the fact that I've cycled before I do my session and I've warmed up. But that doesn't explain the off days I don't cycle.

I've also noticed that this is the time of day when my cats wake up and start to run around outside like a bunch of maniacs. They like going outside at anytime during the day, but they usually hide in the shade, until the afternoon comes around and then they start playing tag and chasing each other.

I believe this time of day draws less energy out of us, which may likely further improve performance.

Morning Cold, forces our body to use more energy for heat generation.
Mid-Day Heat, limits our peak performance, such as how an engine governor, keeps a car from overheating.

[Medusa locked]

Originally Posted by waterfast

I believe this time of day draws less energy out of us, which may likely further improve performance.

Morning Cold, forces our body to use more energy for heat generation.
Mid-Day Heat, limits our peak performance, such as how an engine governor, keeps a car from overheating.

Aah, but is it the time of day or is it our general sleeping patterns? Most people sleep once a day, 6-8 hours(maybe less) and anywhere between 9-10 pm to as 7-8 am depending. I'm thinking it has more to do with our hormonal levels based on sleep.

I once had a peculiar sleeping rhythm and my best exercise sessions were still better about anywhere between 6-10 hours into my day regardless of whether it was morning, noon or night.

[tevag]

hi Medusa locked,
I agree a 100% with you. I have noticed that too. In the morning I feel really sleepy and without energy. On the other hand in the evening or at night I have a lot of negative energy because of stress in work but I succeed in escaping from it through a sport activity!

[IvyW]

there is no "best time" as long as you get it in! I would usually do my cardio first thing in the morning to get it out of the way.. and i do weight training in the afternoon or evening.

[Medusa locked]

Originally Posted by tevag

hi Medusa locked,
I agree a 100% with you. I have noticed that too. In the morning I feel really sleepy and without energy. On the other hand in the evening or at night I have a lot of negative energy because of stress in work but I succeed in escaping from it through a sport activity!

Yeah, exercise is a great outlet for stress. Maybe that's the common charge for most of that prefer to workout at that time of day. In my experience, that's when restlessness or stress tends to peak.

[Medusa locked]

Originally Posted by IvyW

there is no "best time" as long as you get it in! I would usually do my cardio first thing in the morning to get it out of the way.. and i do weight training in the afternoon or evening.

Well, that's interesting. It is highly encouraged to do mainly cardio type exercises in the morning. And any weight training exercises i've done in the past, I've also preferred to wait 'til later in the day. However, I remember doing my strength sessions when I couldn't sleep. That was interesting.

[Razia]

I think exercise is for to be fit, active and fresh.
Doing in morning is good that help you to be fresh and active whole day doin in afternoon or evening i think don't make a sense.

[Roby]

I feel, morning 6 to 8 and evening 5 to 7 is the best time to do exercise. it can be changed depending on the situation, climatic conditions.

[thflower]

Morning time is better for Exercise because You get energized and your muscles are stretched, so you're more apt to take stairs, walk a little further, etc. You have the most energy and you neither interfering with your digestive process or your sleep patterns.

[joelr]

If your goal is fat loss then cardio in the morning before eating seems to be the best.
Our carb stores are used up first thing in the a.m. so our blood is low on glycogen to burn as fuel and fat is used quicker. I think it's worked well for me during cutting phases.

For lifting I prefer later in the day because anaerobic activity is easier with glycogen. If I have time when dieting I'll do cardio first thing in a.m. and do weights at night.

[Medusa locked]

Originally Posted by thflower

Morning time is better for Exercise because You get energized and your muscles are stretched, so you're more apt to take stairs, walk a little further, etc. You have the most energy and you neither interfering with your digestive process or your sleep patterns.

Doing it in the morning is good for early energy. In my experience, if I exercise in the morning, I feel sleepy much sooner. That's why I prefer to wait for the afternoon. I get a more sustained sense of energy and I still sleep better that night because of the exercise.

Also, I find that exercising in the afternoon or evening actually helps my digestion, especially if I haven't eaten as well as I could have that day. Exercise is really good for stimulating bowel movement.

[Requiem]

I find after work in the early evening to be the optimal time to exercise for me.

[Roby]

If you workout in the morning hours, you will be fresh for the whole day. And i prefer to go for a jogging or walking in the early morning which makes me to feel pleasant.