Is it bad to work out at night?

katw0man_
katw0man_ Posts: 187 Member
edited September 22 in Health and Weight Loss
The past few days I have only had time to work out past 8pm. Is exercise less affective during certain hours of the day? Just curious.
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Replies

  • c7eat2live
    c7eat2live Posts: 308 Member
    yeah Im this way too....especially during stressful weeks. I wouldnt worry too much, for me the major effect seems to be that its harder to settle down and meditate before going to sleep, I am more "wired" from working out late if that makes sense. I was never much a morning workout person though, and everybody is different :)
  • UpToAnyCool
    UpToAnyCool Posts: 1,673
    I know a lot of people can't exercise too close to their bedtime b/c they can't fall asleep, but I don't seem to have this problem. I would guess that unless it gives you insomnia, it's probably okay to exercise in the evening, particularly if your schedule does not allow you to do so before work or at lunchtime, etc.

    Good luck!
  • CoryIda
    CoryIda Posts: 7,870 Member
    I almost always work out at night because that is when I have time. I have lost 34 pounds and a ton of inches in about 2 1/2 months, so I am going to say it is probably ok.
  • brat1076
    brat1076 Posts: 17 Member
    It is only bad to not work out at all. If you have to get it in that late then get it in. You are moving that is what is important. I sometimes have to get my workout in that late. I am a Mother of two beautiful kids. I get them to bed and stuff done and ready for the next day. Study because I am in college and then do my workout when I get the time to get it in. The point is work out do it and make it challenging and you will be amazed.
  • merimeaux
    merimeaux Posts: 304 Member
    I hope it's not a bad thing, because I almost always work out past 10 p.m.! Looking forward to seeing what others have to say.
  • ElenaRenee
    ElenaRenee Posts: 11
    i'm not sure if it is procrastination or nocturnal tendencies but i always end up working out after 8 pm. I, as well find that i go to sleep later than usual because i have more energy from my workout. In theory it makes more sense to work out earlier to have more energy for the rest of the day, but I naturally do the opposite. Everyone is different. I hope my late night workouts are just as effective, i'm not sure. Would love to hear other's opinions on this too!
  • katw0man_
    katw0man_ Posts: 187 Member
    Yeah, I have a bunch of energy after i work out.. but i stay up late anyways.. morning have been an issue lately though.. and that's bad because i have a 4 month old daughter lol.
    She likes to get up early like we usually do.
    I haven't been these last couple days.
  • ElenaRenee
    ElenaRenee Posts: 11
    wow 34 lbs. in 2.5 months, that is so great! congrats, that is very inspirational! @coryida
  • jabberjaws77
    jabberjaws77 Posts: 72 Member
    I think anytime you can fit it into your schedule.....is the best time!:tongue:
  • jabberjaws77
    jabberjaws77 Posts: 72 Member
    I have a 2 month old daughter & Ive actually been working out the last three nights past 9pm mainly because thats when I finally get time to myself, after dinner, when everyone is in bed & her daddy is here to take her off my hands.
  • nygal87
    nygal87 Posts: 16
    I work out at night because I have a full time job and I am not a morning person, I've tried it but I'm not willing to wake up at 5am to go to the gym before work. And it's been working fine for me, I've been losing weight and has not bothered my sleep at all. I go late (9:30ish) close to closing time because there are less people and go to sleep within 30 mins of getting home after. I've also found I have way more energy working out at night rather than first thing in the morning.
  • mrmarius
    mrmarius Posts: 1,802 Member
    its when i work out, i think it only matters that you find what works for you
  • MiloBloom83
    MiloBloom83 Posts: 2,724 Member
    The best time to work out is when you can. I trained to run a half marathon and 90 percent of my runs were after 9:00 pm. It actually helped to get to sleep some nights. Other nights, i was wired awake. I've always been a bit of a night owl, so it usually works out ok for me to exercise at night. I have trouble getting up early (5:00 am) to work out, probably because i'm rarley in bed before 11:30pm.
  • TaraMaria
    TaraMaria Posts: 1,975
    As far as I can figure, if you are moving, you are grooving!!! :o) Being active versus NO activity is better no matter what the time. I've done extensive research on it as the only time I used to be able to workout was at night.

    You have your pros and cons. Cons would be you don't have the added benefit of using your workout as a way to boost your metabolism during the day. Working out before bed may get you all riled up and you may have a hard time falling asleep, staying asleep...and sleep is of course VERY important!

    As far as pros go, again, you are moving, you are working out. AND since you are going to sleep soon after your workout your muscles get the valuable rest they need right after a workout, and rest is the time your muscles grow.

    SO! There ya have it hunny!! :o) Have fun with your me time!
  • bikerbiz
    bikerbiz Posts: 179 Member
    I work out at night, too...no problem (except the neighbors might not like me rowing a 10k, if they can hear me). I'll usually eat a single-pack cottage cheese afterwards to help me sleep, and provide some good protein for muscle repair at the best time (while you sleep).
  • ckehoe89
    ckehoe89 Posts: 144 Member
    As long as you get a workout in it shouldn't really matter what time it is. Every one is different. Some people work out more effectively in the morning, such as myself, or others do better at night such as my boyfriend. We used to try to run together at the track and both of us seem to have better work outs when we do it at our own "peak" time. It all depends on how you feel and what the effects are afterward. The only thing I can say about working out in the morning is that it boosts your metabolism for the rest of the day which might help you burn more calories easier.
  • priskar
    priskar Posts: 156
    As long as you exercise, I don't think it matters. I prefer exercising at night though I rarely get to. Exercise is like a sleeping pill to me. A good workout at the gym, a protein drink immediately afterward and I'm ready to sleep! My husband is just the opposite so I usually end up going with him earlier in the day. Don't want to go without my fav workout buddy. :smile:
  • AdamATGATT
    AdamATGATT Posts: 573 Member
    The only thing I can say about working out in the morning is that it boosts your metabolism for the rest of the day which might help you burn more calories easier.

    I keep hearing this over and over again. Why does it only boost it during the day? Does it not increase your metabolism while you are sleeping too? Or does any metabolism boost you get from doing it in the evening shut down once you go to sleep?
  • WhitneyW78
    WhitneyW78 Posts: 186 Member
    I exclusively workout at night and it hasn't effected my weight loss at all!
  • AdamATGATT
    AdamATGATT Posts: 573 Member
    I exclusively workout at night and it hasn't effected my weight loss at all!

    With 183 lbs lost I would most certainly agree!
  • messyhare
    messyhare Posts: 366 Member
    I only have time to workout at night and have been doing it since I began - sometimes as late as 11pm. It doesn't affect my sleep or anything whatsoever and I'm 25lbs down in 2 short months!

    I think just working out, no matter what the time, is going to be beneficial.
  • aelaux12
    aelaux12 Posts: 5
    Does this work out thing work out at first? I just added it today and i need to loose weight.
  • gingerjen7
    gingerjen7 Posts: 821 Member
    If that's the only time you have to do it, then it's the BEST time to do it. I work out around 8 during the week (except last week when I strangely decided to get up at 6 and do it...weird). I did have some trouble sleeping that I thought might be because of working out so late, but really, I have trouble sleeping anyway and my cat doesn't help matters.

    I just realized that this thread is two years old...
  • newcs
    newcs Posts: 717 Member
    After 8pm is better than never but if it were me, I'd make sure to get some sort of post-workout drink or meal in after so you don't wake up starving. Personally I have to cut myself off around 9pm as the ending time or I feel like a human furnace when I try to go to bed.
  • sarita446
    sarita446 Posts: 28 Member
    I have two small children and work all day so the only time I have to work out is at night when my little ones are in bed or wake up at the crack of dawn (not a morning person)! It doesn't affect my sleep at all (actually I sleep better on workout days). Everyone is different but I don't see the issue as long as you're getting a workout in!
  • certainwoman2002
    certainwoman2002 Posts: 1
    Along with everyone else. I work out at night because of my schedule and mama duties. I think it is okay.. At least you are getting something in.. Every bit helps.. Keep doing what you are doing..Your body will thank you....
  • krithsai
    krithsai Posts: 668 Member
    Does this work out thing work out at first? I just added it today and i need to loose weight.

    Depends on how badly you want it. Also, don't trust your scale too much - an inch tape is your best friend.
  • ILoveTheBrowns
    ILoveTheBrowns Posts: 661 Member
    i seem to get my best workouts in in evening rather then after work dunno why
  • JennaM222
    JennaM222 Posts: 1,996 Member
    doesnt matter when you do it, Just do it :)
  • DenyseMarieL
    DenyseMarieL Posts: 673 Member
    If I workout past 8 pm I have trouble sleeping. My bedtime is around 10:30 and i won't have time to settle down before then. But, to each their own, I think if the time works for you, then it's fine. I've heard people get better workouts in the a.m since they aren't tired from the day. I can see that, depending on the day I've had I may not run as far or as fast.
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