Morning or afternoon workouts? Find the best time to break a sweat

Source: The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News
Author: Arielle Tiangco

Attention fitness enthusiasts! Are you a morning person or a night owl? Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, finding the perfect exercise time can be tricky. But don’t worry, we’ve got the lowdown on the pros and cons of working out at different times of the day.

Rise and shine: Working out in the morning

Are you the type of person who hits the snooze button multiple times before finally dragging yourself out of bed? Trust us, we get it. But hear us out, because as recent research shows, there are some pretty awesome advantages to a morning workout.

Start your day on the right foot

Starting your day with a workout can help set the tone for the rest of your day. You’ll feel energized and accomplished, which can help boost your mood and productivity. Plus, you’ll already have one less thing to worry about on your to-do list!

Consistency is key

Are you tired of constantly putting off your evening workouts? It’s easy to get sidetracked with other responsibilities as the day goes on. That’s why many studies show that morning workouts are more consistent because most people have fewer social and work events planned for the morning.

More time for fun

If you’re done with your workout by 5 p.m., you have more time to hang out with friends and family, or even indulge in a hobby you enjoy.

Sweet dreams

Do you struggle with sleep issues? Morning workouts might be the solution you’ve been looking for! Research shows that people who exercise in the morning tend to sleep more efficiently and have fewer awakenings during the night. So if you’re tossing and turning all night, it might be worth trying a morning workout instead.

Bye bye hunger

Are you constantly snacking throughout the day? Working out in the morning might help curb your appetite later on. One study found that women who worked out in the morning had a lower calorie intake compared to those who worked out in the evening.

Burn that fat

If you’re looking to burn more body fat, working out on an empty stomach can be effective. And let’s face it, it’s much easier to do first thing in the morning than at night.

However, if you can’t squeeze in a morning sweat sesh, don’t fret. There are plenty of reasons why working out later in the day can be just as effective, (and maybe even more so).

Here are some fun facts to get you motivated:

Afternoon sweat: Working out later in the day

You might go harder in the PM

Studies have shown that people tend to perform better at short-duration maximal exercise in the evening. So, if you’ve got a competitive streak, hitting the gym after work might be just the thing you need to crush your workout goals.

Your muscles are already warm

Your body temperature is naturally higher in the evening, which means your muscles are warmer and more flexible. And we all know that better flexibility equals better performance. So, if you’ve been struggling to get your morning workouts off the ground, switching to an evening schedule might be just what you need to feel more limber and energetic.

You might see bigger gains

Research has suggested that people who work out in the evening tend to gain more muscle mass over time than those who work out in the morning. And if you’re looking to build some serious muscle, that’s a pretty compelling reason to shift your workout schedule to the later hours.

You might be more motivated to actually work out

Motivation is key when it comes to sticking to a workout routine. And if you’re someone who struggles to stay motivated in the morning, shifting your workouts to the evening might be the solution you’ve been looking for. Studies have shown that people tend to have an easier time sticking to a workout routine when it takes place later in the day.

Find your workout groove: AM or PM, it’s all up to you!

At the end of the day, the best time to work out is the time that works best for you. So, whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of when to hit the gym. The key is to find a consistent workout schedule that you can stick to over the long term.

Research has shown that people who work out consistently at the same time of day tend to see better results over time. So, whether you’re hitting the gym in the morning, afternoon, or evening, make sure you’re making it a regular part of your routine. And remember, the most important thing is to find a workout schedule that works for you, so you can keep sweating it out and feeling great.

The post Morning or afternoon workouts? Find the best time to break a sweat first appeared on The Optimist Daily: Making Solutions the News.

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