Our physicians and physical therapists at Texas Orthopedics get this question often: when is the best time of day to work out? Morning or night?
Generally speaking, as long as you are doing it and getting your 30 minutes in, five days a week, that’s great! Whatever works best for your schedule, is what’s best.
Regular exercise is essential for healthy muscles and bones to help avoid common injuries like sprains/strainsand fractures, and also prevent serious medical conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease.
Studies show that no matter what time of day you exercise, you’ll burn roughly the same number of calories. The convenience of 24-hour gyms that are open around the clock add to the ease of being able to work out whenever you choose.
If you are having a hard time sticking to a regular fitness routine though, here are a few different benefits of each a morning and evening workout:
A.M. Workout:
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Research shows that those who exercise in the morning tend to be more consistent with their workout.
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A good night’s sleep for hours before can fuel your body up with more energy for a more intense workout than when you’re tired later on.
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Morning exercisers report feeling more energized and productive throughout the day and less sluggish than those who’ve had a slower start.
P.M. Workout:
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Exercising later can alleviate any stress encountered throughout the day, preparing the body and mind for a more restful night’s sleep.
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There may not be the rush factor of working out at night–once you’re done with your day’s commitments–unlike the morning when you likely need to somewhere at a specific time.
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Environmental factors can give your body a better boost working out later in the day (if exercising outdoors), as temps are warmer allowing muscles to loosen up quicker and perform more effectively.
