What's the Best Time To Work Out?

Best Time To Work Out

Continued from our Retreat & Renew Daily Tip.

Melissa Wiliams, Freelance Writer | Co-Owner, Yoga Junction

If you’re looking to enhance your fitness whether by losing weight, increasing your endurance, or building muscle you’ll want to consider that the time of day you exercise may have an impact on your results.

1. Mid-day exercise: This is a great time to exercise if you’re wanting to get stronger. Mid-afternoon to early evening we have more energy, feel warmer, and more flexible, making activities including yoga, weight training, and swimming more effective.

2. Early a.m. riser: This is a good time to exercise if you’ve been battling insomnia. It seems counterintuitive to get out of bed if you’ve had trouble sleeping, but the act of moving with daylight will help set your internal rhythms. Conversely, you’ll want to avoid exercising in the evening if you have troubles sleeping, as exercise can peak your energy, leaving you alert long past the removal of your running shoes.

3. Same Time: So if you’re aiming for a specific goal, i.e. improving your time, you’ll want to time your workouts so that they are consistent. By taking out the possibility of the time of day affecting your performance, you’re better able to train and prepare.