Is it bad to exercise at night time?

sallyfelix
sallyfelix Posts: 2
in Fitness and Exercise
I was just wondering if there was any difference between working out in the morning's or the nights. I know it's good to work out in the morning, does that mean night time work outs are bad?

Replies

  • almom59
    almom59 Posts: 2
    the gym I belong to instructors say morning is good to burn all day. At night you burn cal as well.
    I am trying different times to get more burn. In a challenge at the gym next 10 weeks
  • htimpaired
    htimpaired Posts: 1,404 Member
    You'll probably get mixed messages from the responses you get.

    I know I have tried AM exercises and PM exercises, and generally my schedule has to fall around my work schedule. So during the week I go after work, on the weekends I go in the AM. I tried exercising before work but I just am NOT a morning person, so I'd talk myself out of it. I am usually home from the gym by 7pm and I don't notice it impacting my sleep or anything.

    I always look at it as this: the best time of day to exercise is the time of day you'll actually DO IT.
  • SideSteel
    SideSteel Posts: 11,068 Member
    I always look at it as this: the best time of day to exercise is the time of day you'll actually DO IT.

    ^ This.

    Physiologically speaking the differences would only potentially apply to people who are already lean and attempting to get shredded and that's even debatable.

    If you don't have issues sleeping when you train at night, and you prefer to train at night, do it.
  • Bakkasan
    Bakkasan Posts: 1,027 Member
    Exercising at night keeps me up all night so there is that to think about too.
  • pithole
    pithole Posts: 75 Member
    Exercising is always GOOD. Bottom line.
  • Deipneus
    Deipneus Posts: 1,856 Member
    I'm most mentally alert in the mornings - I know most people aren't - so I exercise in the evenings. I can exercise even when I'm brain dead. No sense wasting my prime thinking hours.
  • mmich4179
    mmich4179 Posts: 1
    I always look at it as this: the best time of day to exercise is the time of day you'll actually DO IT.

    Exactly! Just work out whenever is the best for you.

    The only inconvenient in working out late is that it might difficult for you to sleep in after, because your body is "waken up." but if it doesn't bother you, just go ahead!
  • LCgymnast
    LCgymnast Posts: 258
    I don't think so. I try to workout more in the morning just because I'll be cautious of what other health choices I make throughout the day. I've heard also that it kicks starts your metabolism for the rest of the day. However, sometimes I work out at night because that's when I have a little more energy to workout. I think it's more personal preferences actually.
  • SuperSexyDork
    SuperSexyDork Posts: 1,669 Member
    Exercising at night keeps me up all night so there is that to think about too.

    Funny thing is if I don't exercise at night I don't sleep well.
  • jlohcook
    jlohcook Posts: 228 Member
    I exercise 1 hour after dinner, which is about 8.30 pm onwards and I get to sleep at 11-11.30pm. I'd be sound asleep, in fact, I sleep really really well after exercises.
  • lynheff
    lynheff Posts: 393 Member
    Nope! Any time is a good time to exercise. What ever feels best to your body . I am a morning person--up before the sun and in bed early. So I exercise in the early hours. DH is a night owl so he often exercises after I am in bed! Your muscles don't wear a watch:laugh: so they don't know what time it is. Good luck!
  • krisiepoo
    krisiepoo Posts: 710 Member
    what is REALLY good is to exercise. If you can only do it at night, then do it at night. If you're a morning person and/or can only exercise in the morning, then do it in the morning.

    What's NOT good is not doing anything :)

    personally I find I can't sleep for 1-2 hours after a good burn because my adrenaline/endorphins are still coursing through me
  • nickihyslop
    nickihyslop Posts: 1 Member
    I'm the same, I find it difficult to sleep if I haven't exercised.

    I'm on a really intensive training programme at the moment, I do it all during the evenings and i'm having the best sleep i've ever had - you know that kind where no matter what you do you know you can't keep your eyes awake ;)
  • Vonwarr
    Vonwarr Posts: 390 Member
    Exercise (especially strenuous exercise) increases your level of the stress hormone, Cortisol. It takes a few hours for your cortisol level to return to baseline after exercise. Cortisol can interfere with fat oxidation while you sleep. Basically, it's doable, but it's best to ensure you have a few relaxing hours of time between exercise and bed to maximize your fat loss.
  • jarrettd
    jarrettd Posts: 872 Member
    Your body will tell you, if you listen.

    I like to exercise early. I get my body moving before my head figures out what I'm up to.

    I can (and sometimes have to) workout late. I find I can get all ramped up and have a hard time settling down for sleep for a little while.

    Just do it when you can, and you will naturally avoid what doesn't work. (But, if you don't actually LIKE exercise, be careful of convincing yourself that any certain time isn't your ideal time.)

    Good luck!

    ETA: I also like early workouts because I feel good all day knowing I've already done the hardest thing I'm going to have to do!
  • tnmyers23
    tnmyers23 Posts: 108 Member
    From what I have been told by doctors it is person dependant. When you exercise in the AM you get more energy to last the day. When you exercise in the evening then you will get a better nights sleep. Some people say Yoga in the evenings and a good walk gives you the best night sleep. I agree with the evening walk and sleep.
  • Mr_Bad_Example
    Mr_Bad_Example Posts: 2,403 Member
    It doesn't matter if you exercise at 8 a.m., 5 p.m., 3:45 in the morning, or 11:28 at night - you just have to do it. And it's different for everyone. Some people enjoy those morning workouts to get their days going, and other people (like me) would rather do it at night to help with relaxation and sleep.

    So really, if you're a morning person, work out in the morning. If you're a night owl, work out at night. If you're somewhere in between, maybe the afternoon works best. It's all in how you feel.
  • rml_16
    rml_16 Posts: 16,414 Member
    I was just wondering if there was any difference between working out in the morning's or the nights. I know it's good to work out in the morning, does that mean night time work outs are bad?

    I've read a couple articles that say the best time to workout and get the most out of it depends on the person. Some people do better in the morning, some at night.

    The best time to work out is when you have time and energy to do it. I work out in the mornings when I can, but I work at 6:30 a.m., so Monday-Friday, in general, just don't happen in the morning. It hasn't hurt me to go after work or even later.
  • cartoonfruit
    cartoonfruit Posts: 28
    exercise when you feel like you have the most energy so you can put the most effort in.
    because if you exercise in the morning, but have no energy, your workout won't mean anything. if you're like that, it would be better to exercise in the evening when you've woken up a bit more.
    :)
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Don't try to do it right before you sleep, but it certainly isn't "bad" to choose evenings for your workout time. Lots of people work out in the evenings (including myself). There is nothing wrong with it.
  • WendyTerry420
    WendyTerry420 Posts: 13,274 Member
    Your muscles don't wear a watch:laugh: so they don't know what time it is.

    Love this! :laugh:
  • sabolfitwife
    sabolfitwife Posts: 423 Member
    When I am able to, I get up at 5 am to work out so I can get the majority of my exercise in and out of the way. However, most days I have to do it at night, which I don't mind either. It wears me out and after I take a nice hot shower I'm pretty much beat and sleep good. Like they say, there is no right or wrong time, as long as you are moving it is a good thing.
  • denise032
    denise032 Posts: 108 Member
    There is no right time to workout. As long as you do it roughly the same time each day (or however many days you workout), you'll be maximizing your performance.. For me, working out too late at night disrupts my sleep. I typically do my workouts around 5pm everyday.
  • AbiJj
    AbiJj Posts: 26
    I watch the Biggest Loser and on there I recall Jillian saying it's best to work out in the morning, something to do with when you've slept, you digested/burned last nights food and now you have just the stored fat to use as fuel... I can't recall specifically what was said, but I know it made me feel better as I try to fit in some stationary cycle workout before breakfast.

    However, you often see the contestants working out in the dead of night :-)

    I couldn't understand the science behind why it could possibly be bad for you anyway? I would think it'd be hard for me because I'm tired from 9pm onwards - and I've had my evening meal. I know I need to change habits but my evening meals are still largest meal of the day.

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