question about workout times

[warchild2005]

cathe,

I work out with 'you' 5 times a week. Most of the time I work out at night around 8PM because of school. Is this an okay time to work out? Im not that much of a morning person (i've tried.

- Luis

 

[Lusignan]

Not Cathe, but I hope I can help...

I remember her responding to a post like this before and I have read up on this myself to a degree...

Workout when it is best for you, when you feel most "awake" and ready to exercise, most importantly don't put it off as an excuse until the end of the day because that can lead to not working out at all. But like you said it is because of school.

Working out first thing in the morning I have read is the best time to workout, but not best for every person, there isn't a "one size fits all" for exercise, you have to be the judge of what time works best for you.

I have tried to workout in the morning, but I don't get as much out of it as when I am working out in the afternoon. When I workout in the afternoon I am more into my workout, jumping higher and going longer than if I workout in the morning. So the morning workout advise doesn't work for me either.

However you should not work out at least 3 hours before going to bed. There is a reason for this but I can't be specific because I don't remember. You need to have at least 3 hours to return to as close to resting heart rate before you go to bed. So if you work out at 8 and end at 9 don't go to bed until 12.

Hope that helps you! But again workout times are not a "one size fits all" You have to find what works best for you and go with it.

 

[ageleg]

I totally agree with Melanie, although I don't believe that there are any particular physiological benefits to working out in the morning. Whenever you can is great.

I too, hate working out in the morning. My body is not awake and takes about two hours after I wake up to feel conscience! The afternoon is also better for me because I can put everything into the workout, especially if it's an IMAX. I have no idea how anyone could do those workouts after waking up; just too hard.

The only benefit to working out in the morning, to me, is that you get it out of the way so there are no excuses in the evening. But, it doesn't matter what comes up for me in the evening, there is NO EXCUSE, not to workout!

 

[fitnessangel]

I also workout in the evening (around the same time) because of my hectic schedule. I am definitely not a morning person, and I don't think I would be very coordinated then, either (which would only cause injury). I have always felt like you should workout when you feel you can perform your best, but somehow most of us have to either work, attend to children, or are in school (me- the three combined). I haven't had a problem going to sleep either, but if this is a problem for you, you may consider changing your time. Merry Christmas.


P.S. Just make sure you don't eat a large meal right before hand. (I am sure you know why )

 

[gym_mom]

Not Cathe here - but I think I can contribute a little -

I happen to be a morning exerciser. It just fits better into my schedule, and for me at least, if I put it off, I tend to blow it off completely.

However, I did read that exercising late in the day may interfere with your sleep as it raises your metabolism and heart rate. Now, if you're not having any problems sleeping, go ahead and exercise when it works best for you.

Bottom line - it's better to exercise whenever you can than not exercise at all.

Claude

"A Drug is a substance which, when injected into a Rat, produces a SCIENTIFIC REPORT."

 

[warchild2005]

thanks guys!