One of my friends at work has started an exercise program to do at home. Basically it consists of crunches, weights, stretching, etc. The instructions say it's better to do them in the morning rather than the evening for maximum effect.
Is timing really everything?
Does the time of day really matter when you exercise?
If so why?
Is Timing Everything?
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I could be wrong here, but based on the idea that it is best to let your body rest after exercise then I would think evening would be best. I do know a lot of Chinese martial artists hold the idea that the optimal time to train is around dawn though.
I think though the best suggestion I ever heard on when to exercise is "whenever you are most likely to do it". You're less likely to do any exercise if you try to do it at an incovenient time, such as if you have to rearrange your day to fit exercise into a specific time. Too easy then to find excuses for not doing it.
I think though the best suggestion I ever heard on when to exercise is "whenever you are most likely to do it". You're less likely to do any exercise if you try to do it at an incovenient time, such as if you have to rearrange your day to fit exercise into a specific time. Too easy then to find excuses for not doing it.
Glenn
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Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Like everything else, its different for everybody. A friend of mine at work likes to workout early in the morning. That, for me, is the worst time. I get the best and most effective work outs in the early afternoon, between 1 and 3. (luckily I have a job that allows this.) I'm sure there are other people who get great workouts at night.
I read about a study once that illustrated this, but can't remember where. So, a person should figure out what time they have available to work out and then figure out when the optimal time for them is. It could end up being on his lunch break. I'm sure his co-workers will appreciate the added scent in the office. lol
I read about a study once that illustrated this, but can't remember where. So, a person should figure out what time they have available to work out and then figure out when the optimal time for them is. It could end up being on his lunch break. I'm sure his co-workers will appreciate the added scent in the office. lol
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Bill Glasheen
- Posts: 17299
- Joined: Thu Mar 11, 1999 6:01 am
- Location: Richmond, VA --- Louisville, KY
Any issue of time of day should address things like the body's melatonin production, personal convenience, level of energy, eating habits, desired goals, etc.
If given the choice... There are plusses and minuses to different times of day.
The morning is good because you get that physical glow and mental clarity going for the rest of the day. But it can take longer to warm up. I've never gotten a satisfactory stretch early in the morning. Whether or not it kicks up your metabolism at the right phase of your day/night clock is a matter of debate.
Lunchtime is good as a matter of convenience for some.
Early evening is considered an ideal time for folks who want to max out on their weight and get a good stretch. But the gyms are packed because everyone else finds that time to be desireable.
For late night, the crowds are gone from the gym and you are probably going to get a good stretch. For those who are larks instead of owls, they may start to be slowing down physically. But owls love it. You should follow this with a hot shower if you want to get to sleep. Otherwise you'll have a tough time getting up the next morning.
I personally take advantage of every time of day. Generally I prefer early evening. However when I travel to the west coast, I get up at my normal east coast rising time and do my workout then before going to work west coast time. Then I get to bed on the east coast clock. This way when I go back home, I don't get jet lag. It works for me...
- Bill
If given the choice... There are plusses and minuses to different times of day.
The morning is good because you get that physical glow and mental clarity going for the rest of the day. But it can take longer to warm up. I've never gotten a satisfactory stretch early in the morning. Whether or not it kicks up your metabolism at the right phase of your day/night clock is a matter of debate.
Lunchtime is good as a matter of convenience for some.
Early evening is considered an ideal time for folks who want to max out on their weight and get a good stretch. But the gyms are packed because everyone else finds that time to be desireable.
For late night, the crowds are gone from the gym and you are probably going to get a good stretch. For those who are larks instead of owls, they may start to be slowing down physically. But owls love it. You should follow this with a hot shower if you want to get to sleep. Otherwise you'll have a tough time getting up the next morning.
I personally take advantage of every time of day. Generally I prefer early evening. However when I travel to the west coast, I get up at my normal east coast rising time and do my workout then before going to work west coast time. Then I get to bed on the east coast clock. This way when I go back home, I don't get jet lag. It works for me...
- Bill
