The Best Time of Day to Exercise
By Debra Rodzinak
There have been several studies to find out the best time of day to exercise. With no definitive evidence, experts advise finding the best time of day that works for you. Schedule, personal preference, and lifestyle choice can help people choose the best time of day to make exercise a part of their daily routine. The most important thing, though, is to exercise, period.
Find Your Rhythm
Circadian rhythms, also known as the body’s internal clock, dictates the wake and sleep cycles during a 24-hour period. The regulation of physical, mental, and behavioral changes is set by Circadian rhythms and varies from person to person. Environmental changes, such as temperature, light and dark, meal times, and exercise times, can affect these rhythms.
Morning People
If you are a morning person, then you should exercise before noon. Exercising before the events of the day interfere with a workout set up people for success. Those who exercise in the morning find that they can manage time better and feel an increased amount of energy.
Night Owls
For those who do more in the evening, exercising after work can be a great way to unwind. Exercising after work can also produce a better workout, relieve stress, and prevent injury because muscles are warm and flexible. After eating during the day, energy can seem greater, which can lead to a better workout.
Consistency
No matter what the reason for working out or the time you work out, maintaining a regular workout regime is important for an overall healthier lifestyle. Weight loss, relief of stress, and many other health benefits are realized with a consistent exercise program.
By scheduling times that work best for you, an exercise program is going to have a better chance of succeeding when it is in conjunction with the body’s internal clock. Sleep habits, changes to meal times, and overall better mood can be increased based on when you decide to work out.
Deciding on whether you are a night owl or morning person is a simple matter of deduction. When exercising in the morning, if you feel lightheaded, irritable, and lack energy, you may want to switch to an afternoon or evening workout. In the same regard, if you find that the events of the day keep you from staying on a regular exercise program or if you are tired at the end of the day and just don’t feel like exercising, try waking up earlier to exercise.