Excercise morning or night

lucymcr82 · February 2016

I can either go early (6am) or night (8pm). Which is best fot weight loss? Night is easier on the treadmill and cross trainer but find my motivation sometimes dwindles after a full day at work

tiffanylacourse · February 2016

Whenever you will get it done and stick to it.

e_v_v · February 2016

I wouldn't say that one or the other is better for weight loss, but exercising at night can mess with your sleep pattern since exercising releases hormones that give you energy. Also, it's said that exercising on an empty stomach (in the morning before breakfast) burns more fat than if you have supper still sitting in your stomach.

I personally prefer morning simply because then I'm done for the rest of the day!

peachyfuzzle · February 2016

tiffanylacourse wrote: »

Whenever you will get it done and stick to it.

This.

It literally makes zero difference, and is a personal preference. Whichever works best for your schedule.

peleroja · February 2016

Yep, there's no best time from a results perspective except that you should go when you feel your best.

I do better earlier in the day as I tend to have more energy, but lots of other people prefer to work out later.

lucymcr82 · February 2016

Thank you all. Ive read about more fat burning prior to breakfast, so will try to go early doors!

Forever_Country09 · February 2016

I really like the morning. You get it done before your day and get that extra energy boost for the rest of the day. Plus I find I am in a much better mood throughout the day too. I also like doing cardio in the morning on an empty stomach. Then after work hit the gym for a weight session!

BrianSharpe · February 2016

lucymcr82 wrote: »

Thank you all. Ive read about more fat burning prior to breakfast, so will try to go early doors!

If you look at the underlying data the difference is so small it's irrelevant and in the context of weight loss the fuel source (glycogen or fat) doesn't matter. Like the others have said, it's a matter of personal preference, go with the one that works for you.

AllanMisner · February 2016

Fat loss comes from what and how much you eat. Exercise should be based on your other health and fitness goals (strength, muscle mass, cardiovascular health, speed, balance, agility, mobility, sport specific, etc.). That said, the best time to workout is when you’ll be sure to do it consistently. Willpower is a finite resource and many of us would struggle to remain consistent with evening workouts. Also, evening workouts may interfere with your sleep, which is likely to derail your fat loss goal.

For me, I prefer to do cardio in the morning and lift weights in the afternoon. The weight training is better when I’m warmer, and throwing around heavy things does wonders for stress relief.

Allan Misner
NASM Certified Personal Trainer (Corrective Exercise Specialist, Fitness Nutrition Specialist)
Host of the 40+ Fitness Podcast

k_nelson_24 · February 2016

Which ever works best in your schedule! I have a young daughter at home so it is normally easier for me to go after she goes to bed at around 8 pm. I will occasionally go in the AM on weekends when my husband is there with her on his off days. I will go before they wake up!

Asher_Ethan · February 2016

Whatever works for you. I personally prefer morning workouts because I feel like I can push harder and get more out of the workout. However, nighttime is the only time I get to workout so I have to stick with that.