Do you feel most energized around lunchtime, or do you tend to move most at night? Maybe the crack of dawn is your time to shine. We all have our go-to hours for exercising, but it does beg the question: When is the best time of day to workout? Does the sun or moon’s position have an impact on the perfect times for our bodies to exercise? Let’s find out.
Morning Moves
Besides the advantage of having the whole day ahead of you when you’re done, exercising on an empty stomach first thing in the morning can help burn more fat. It can also positively influence your natural circadian rhythm, which can make you alert in the morning and enjoy better sleep at night. You’ll also increase endorphins right off the bat, which can help boost your mood and get you ready for the day.
Afternoon Action
Missed your morning window? It’s okay! Exercising in the afternoon has some serious advantages. You may discover you have more energy mid-day, and crush your goals as a result. A recent study focused on the circadian system found that participants burned roughly 10% more calories in the late afternoon, so doing cardio or strength training in those hours could give you an extra efficient burn.
Evening Energy
If you want to end a tough day in a good way, evening workouts are a great way to go. Not only can they help you de-stress, but they can also replace less mobile habits like sitting on the couch or getting in too much pre-slumber screen time. Additionally, if you want to work on flexibility, research suggests our bodies warm up faster, and stay warm longer, later in the day.
The bottom line is that no matter when you work out, there’s always an upside. The best time of day to exercise is the time that works for YOU, that will be easiest to stick with. And with our one-on-one coaching on demand whenever you want it, MYXfitness makes it easy for you to work out when it suits you best!
