Once you factor in washing your hair, finding a clean sports bra and you know, actually sweating, squeezing a workout into your already packed schedule is only half the battle when it comes to keeping fit.
So when you’re wrangling your iCal, should you aim to hit the gym in the morning or at night? Well, the good news is there is no “best” time. Even though science has found some small differences between the calorie-burning and strength-building effects between AM and PM workouts, neither is necessarily better. The best time is whenever you can.
“The key to getting the most from your work out is to listen to what your body is telling you. Many people make decisions about when to train based on the ‘science’ being circadian rhythms, hormone levels and the body’s temperature. But your preference of when to train is equally important if you want to get the most from your workout,” explains Michael Cunico, PT and Fitness First’s National Head of Fitness. So let’s weigh it up, shall we?
If you’re up and at ‘em
The one thing that training early has over any other time of day is that you are in control. Throughout the day we experience various stresses, such as job demands, which can disrupt even the most well-planned lunch or evening workout. When training is the first thing we do every day, it can help us stay more focused on work and various tasks at hand. If you feel like you have no time in the morning to train, wake up earlier and experiment.
If you value a sleep-in
If you don’t enjoy the early starts, training at the end of the day allows you to clear your mind and decompress. Plus, you can take your time, instead of feeling rushed to hit the showers and get to work. Also, keep in mind gyms generally have quiet times between the three main peaks of the morning, noon and evening. You could be pleasantly surprised by how much room you have between 9am and 11am or 2pm and 4pm, which is late enough to allow for that sleep-in.
The bottom line
Work your fitness habits around what works for you. Think about your schedule, what time of day you have the most energy and what exactly gets you motivated. Just make sure you do fit it in when you can.