WHEN do you exercise?

Jerzeebabie04 · February 2010

I'm being a little nosey & curious today! Just wondering when most of you do your exercise? Morning? At night? A few times a day?
Do you do it before or after eatting? I've heard so many different things about when it's the best time to exercise that I no longer know what is true and what isn't.
Some say that if you exercise before you eat then your body is still burning and your metabolism is up and others say doing it after eatting burns the food better.
I've heard doing it 3-5 times a week is healthy, but 7 isn't.... I prefer doing it 6-7 days, depending on the exercise!

So I'm just curious how often everyone exercises and when?

Ashia1317 · February 2010

If I could get myself up every morning with no problem, I prefer AM - and on an empty stomach. And I feel better through the rest of my day.

But normally I'm a 5pm-er, right after work. I'm usually sluggish and tired by then, but once I get myself going, I'm ok.

PJilly · February 2010

Six days a week, usually a couple of hours after breakfast (around 10 a.m.). I am lucky that I work from home and have a pretty flexible schedule. I can't always work out exactly when I want to, but I usually can.

SarahJoy_79 · February 2010

I workout in the evenings right after work. That's pretty much the only time I have to fit in my workouts so that's the only reason why I do it then. I usually have a very light snack about an hour before I hit the gym, otherwise I tend to burn out a lot faster and start to feel a little nauseous. I workout 5 days a week and give myself 2 off....for me I know I need my days off to recoup. I just do what feels best for me and that works perfectly for me. I'm sure there are studies one way or another on pretty much everything. But in the end after years of working out I've come to a good way of doing things that I know will work best for me.

Chenoachem · February 2010

I mostly workout when I get up in the morning, 5-6 days a week. I have to eat something or I can't workout well. If I eat I can put more effort into my workout and therefore burn more calories. If I don't eat I am useless.

Occasionally I will workout at lunch as my job has showers in the bathrooms. Especially if I need more sleep to repair from a hard workout.

In the evening I try to do something active with my 3 year old. Sometimes we do yoga, dance or go to the playground. I don't enter this as exercise. I call it a buffer for things I don't remember to log.

rachefc · February 2010

I do it whenever it will fit in to be perfectly honest. I prefer the middle of the day but obviously with working it's normally the evening - sometimes quite late for when the gym has quietened down!!

I always try and wait at least an hour after eating - more like two if I'm doing a heavy gym session.

I like doing some exercise most days as long as it will fit in so I do a gym session a few days and swim on the others. You do need to give your muscles time to recover but I think if you mix the types of exercises up you're ok doing something most days - so just don't go doing a really heavy chest press every day or you will exhaust yourself!!

Rachel

bjs06 · February 2010

Mondays I work out either 5:30-7 or 7:30-9. Tuesdays, I do step aerobics at 6:15 then I try to get in 15-30 minutes of some more cardio after that. Wednesdays I do a stretch and tone class, then work out after. Thursdays, same as tuesdays, but the aerobics is an interval class. Because of my new job, Friday has become a skip day for me because the gym closes at 5 and I work until 5. Fortunately, I work in th same building as the gym, and work in the gym sometimes on Fridays so if I'm lucky or feeling it, I go before work or I get a friday shift, like this week, i do 10-2. Saturdays I go after lunch and I usually take sundays off!

maycullen · February 2010

I get up 30 minutes before I usually do 3 times a week, I roll out of bed put running kit on and pound the pavements for 30 minutes...shower and get ready in my usual time. It makes me feel good for the rest of the day and stops me wanting to snack mid morning. I do have to make sure I eat a decent healthy breakfast though!

LadyZen · February 2010

I get up at 5:20 M-F and workout for an hour. Saturdays are usually my days off, and on Sundays, I will sleep in and work out in the afternoon instead. I feel better working out in the morning during the week. That way, I can come home, get supper started, help kids with homework, or veg out a bit by reading or watching a little tv. I don't feel as stressed out to try to get everything in. Plus, it's only me in the morning...no one is up to bother me

NMorse1907 · February 2010

I work out 6 days a week, usually 3 days in the morning and 3 days in the evening. I prefer to work out in the morning, but I have to work around my husbands work sechedule since the family area in the gym is always full! :0)

Schula03 · February 2010

I go right after work before I can get lazy!!!!

I would love to do it in the morning, but that would require me waking up at about 5 and I haven't been motivated enough to make myself do that yet.....we will see.

NykkieC · February 2010

I exercise right after work every day. It really depends on how hungry I am whether I eat before or after working out. I find that if I'm hungry and exercise before eating I get burnt out really fast and get dizzy.

I just listen to my body - I don't think the eating before/after working out matters TOO much. Whatever works for you!

I just got into a workout program where I workout 6 days a week, with one rest day. I agree that 7 days a week would be too much - the body has to rest and repair! :flowerforyou:

ractayjon · February 2010

My husband swears by the am exercise on an empty stomach thing. I tried it for a while and realized that I am NOT a morning person and no matter how much I thought the benefits would be it couldnt turn me into one. i started to dread going to bed at night because I didnt want to get up in the morning!
It was then that I realized that I had to fit exercise into MY day not fme fitting EXERCISE into when I was supposed to. My ideal exercise is mid - morning...I have had breakfast (about 2 hours prior) and I have started my day. This works into my schedule most days. However, my second choice for exercisse is in the dinner time hours. I find that I will eat "dinner" about 4pm - head to the gym (6pmish) have a light snack afterwards and sleep like a baby.
My point, I guess, is to eaach his own - whenever YOU want to do it, look forward to it and enjoy it,imo, is best!

Katgod318 · February 2010

Typically I work out Monday through Saturday from about 4:30a-5:30a or 6a, and then on Tuesdays I do Zumba from 7p-8p with a 30 minute warm up/stretch walk before the class so I don't hurt from it later. I don't eat before for a couple of reasons, one being that if I eat before I workout it makes me super nauseated, and the other being that my dr. has told me that working out before you eat burns fat you already have stored.

On the days I work out I feel awesome the rest of the day, and have energy I wouldn't normally have. If I miss a morning work out, then I feel tired and sluggish the rest of the day. Each person is different. You have to play it by your schedule, your habits, and what you can physically do. A lot of people can't get up really early in the morning and therefore do better in the afternoons or evenings. I personally can't do a lot of evenings because I find myself completely energetic and wound up!!

BetterVersion · February 2010

I walk four miles in the mornings (when we're not in the middle of a blizzard! :grumble: ) and then I spend an hour six or seven nights per week exercising. I have to wait till my son goes to bed so I'm not usually done till 9:30 or so. I've asked my dietician about rest days and she doesn't really think they're too important. She suggested for me that I continue my walks every single day and if I think I want a "rest" day every now and again to simply cut out the night time exercise.

All in all, I don't think any of it really makes much a difference, so long as you ARE exercising and eating healthily.

shanerylee · February 2010

I go on my lunch break and work out from 11:15-11:45, then I try to get back to the gym later that evening if the kids dont have an activity or try and ride the bike at home.

sdirks · February 2010

I do 3, 20-30 minute yoga sessions on weekday mornings. I also usually have 1 workout on a weekday night and 1 or 2 weekend afternoon workouts. My schedule is hectic and I often work late hours, so I work out when I can.

I can't do yoga on an empty stomach--just makes me feel like I'm going to throw up, so I always do my yoga after breakfast. In the evenings, I usually have to eat after my workout (only because I prefer to eat my evening meals at home and don't like to stop to eat between work and the studio). Every person's body is different. You just have to find what works for your body... and your schedule, lol!

jwilliams66615 · February 2010

Its mix and match for me. During the week I work out in the evening. When I'm not at work during the week, I work out in the morning. On the weekends I work out in the morning and sometimes twice a day on the weekends. For me I feel better working out in the morning rather than in the evening. I hope this is helpful.

sunshineshardz · February 2010

I'm a late night gal. For example, last night I worked out just after midnight. That's how it is when I work evenings. When I work days, I tend to work out once the kids are sleeping, so around 9. I don't think the time matters, just as long as you are getting a workout in. That's why I love the 24 hour gyms! lol And I work out in some form 7 days a week. Even if it's only a brisk walk with my dogs.

Best of luck!!

Lisa0711 · February 2010

I workout about 6 times a week and try to always workout in the morning. I like it best because then it's out of the way and I can move on with the other things I need to do. Over time, it seems for ME that I lose more weight if I workout on an empty stomach, but that obviously depends on the individual. Just listen to your own body and do what it tells you!

pianoteacherevan · February 2010

My professional boxing trainer recommends I run 3 miles a day every morning (6 days a week) first thing when I wake up before breakfast.

maurierose · February 2010

So I'm just curious how often everyone exercises and when?

Ummmmmm..... :bigsmile: .... I guess the short answer, for me, is "ANY time I can, for as LONG as I can".

As a wife, and a mom of 3, it could be first thing in the morning, some time during nap for our littlest, or even dragging the exercise bike to our bathroom (which luckily is the size of some bedrooms.....lol) to bike during his bath time..... at 3, he could stay in there for an hour if we let him.

From what I've read, it doesn't matter as much *when* you exercise, the important thing is that you do it. If you want to get the most out of it, use a Heart Rate Monitor, and stay in your "ideal heart range" for exercise. Keep up the exercising, sounds like you're on a good track!

:flowerforyou:

Fancy_Nancy2 · February 2010

My work out times change often I am a stay at home mommy and I need to do them when my little one is napping but I like to do them on her first nap for the day but it doesn't always work so around 10 or so. Otherwise it is right after my hubby gets home from work so he can take care of her while I work out. I like to work out 5-6 days a week but with an 8 mouth this is sometimes hard but I do my best.

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lvfunandfit · February 2010

I am a teacher and have to be at work by 7:15. So I work out right after work at 2:35 but have to pick up my kids by 4. So I mainly weight train and do 20 min of cardio. I can't make myself get up at 4am to go to the gym or run. On the weekends and during the summers, I run or workout at 6 or 6:30am. Every Saturday I run 5 miles and during the week after my husband gets home from work, he'll watch the kids and I'll run 3-4 miles once or twice a week. I also try to put my kids in my double jogger and take them to the park 2-3 times a week. Taking them to the park is a 2.8 mile loop and the last half is a huge steep hill (3/4 mile). With the kids in the stroller, I'm pushing 92 pounds up hill. I say that's a workout! LOL

So, I workout 4- 5 days at the gym and incorporate 2 - 3 good runs on top of that (plus take my kids on walks to the park).

I can't workout on an empty stomach. I am starving when I first wake up and I'm worthless during a workout if I don't have something to eat. So I always have a protein shake first thing. I believe it's important to eat right away to break the all night fasting and get your metabolism working again. Opinions vary on that. Obviously when I workout after work, I've eaten. I'll have my shake, a morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack (usually a protein bar) before the gym. When I go in the mornings, I just have the shake before my workout or run.

You have to do what works best for you to be successful! Otherwise, if doesn't work for you then you won't be successful. So, if you can't work out first thing in the morning and you are better in the evenings... then do what is better for you. You're more likely to stick to a routine that you are comfortable with rather than trying to conform to something that doesn't work well for you.

Jerzeebabie04 · February 2010

Thanks for all your responses! I'm glad to hear that so many people workout so many times a week! And even more glad to hear that it doesn't matter when you workout as long as you do it. I think something like a walk or a run everyday is really great, and the other exercise doesn't have to be every single day if you need a break!

Jerzeebabie04 · February 2010

I can't workout on an empty stomach. I am starving when I first wake up and I'm worthless during a workout if I don't have something to eat. So I always have a protein shake first thing. I believe it's important to eat right away to break the all night fasting and get your metabolism working again. Opinions vary on that. Obviously when I workout after work, I've eaten. I'll have my shake, a morning snack, lunch and an afternoon snack (usually a protein bar) before the gym. When I go in the mornings, I just have the shake before my workout or run.

You have to do what works best for you to be successful! Otherwise, if doesn't work for you then you won't be successful. So, if you can't work out first thing in the morning and you are better in the evenings... then do what is better for you. You're more likely to stick to a routine that you are comfortable with rather than trying to conform to something that doesn't work well for you.

It's interesting that you mentioned having a protein shake or protein bar before your workout. I was wondering how many people have some type of extra protein before/after their workouts. I know on some exercise programs they suggest you have a protein shake after your workout for recovery, yet others have suggested you have a protein shake before a workout. I'm not sure which is better, but I think the idea of having the extra protein everyday is great. I LOVE protein shakes and was actually on a soy/whey protein diet for awhile and loved it. But I felt that I was having too much protein and new that it was not a healthy lifestyle change, but instead more of a diet. So I cut back on the protein shakes completely for awhile, but am interested in starting them back up, maybe one a day a few times a week.

lvfunandfit · February 2010

It's interesting that you mentioned having a protein shake or protein bar before your workout. I was wondering how many people have some type of extra protein before/after their workouts. I know on some exercise programs they suggest you have a protein shake after your workout for recovery, yet others have suggested you have a protein shake before a workout. I'm not sure which is better, but I think the idea of having the extra protein everyday is great. I LOVE protein shakes and was actually on a soy/whey protein diet for awhile and loved it. But I felt that I was having too much protein and new that it was not a healthy lifestyle change, but instead more of a diet. So I cut back on the protein shakes completely for awhile, but am interested in starting them back up, maybe one a day a few times a week.

You should eat a minimum of half of your body weight in protein each day. I drink 1-2 shakes a day and eat 1-2 protein bars a day. I usually go a little over on my protein. I do believe in drinking a shake or eating within 30 minutes of a workout. Protein is what helps repair and build your muscle. Your body doesn't store protein as fat. Just make sure to chose lean sources of protein.

Using oils that are good fats like Olive oil is OK in moderation. Good fat helps you burn fat. Also, adding things like coconut oil (which you can cook with, great for using with fish), avocados, nuts, etc to your diet is good for you also.

Jerzeebabie04 · February 2010

It's interesting that you mentioned having a protein shake or protein bar before your workout. I was wondering how many people have some type of extra protein before/after their workouts. I know on some exercise programs they suggest you have a protein shake after your workout for recovery, yet others have suggested you have a protein shake before a workout. I'm not sure which is better, but I think the idea of having the extra protein everyday is great. I LOVE protein shakes and was actually on a soy/whey protein diet for awhile and loved it. But I felt that I was having too much protein and new that it was not a healthy lifestyle change, but instead more of a diet. So I cut back on the protein shakes completely for awhile, but am interested in starting them back up, maybe one a day a few times a week.

Wow 1 gram of protein for every pound that is half of your weight? Then I definitely need to add some more protein to my diet. What do you set your percentages to then as far as carbs/protein/fat goes

You should eat a minimum of half of your body weight in protein each day. I drink 1-2 shakes a day and eat 1-2 protein bars a day. I usually go a little over on my protein. I do believe in drinking a shake or eating within 30 minutes of a workout. Protein is what helps repair and build your muscle. Your body doesn't store protein as fat. Just make sure to chose lean sources of protein.

Using oils that are good fats like Olive oil is OK in moderation. Good fat helps you burn fat. Also, adding things like coconut oil (which you can cook with, great for using with fish), avocados, nuts, etc to your diet is good for you also.

lvfunandfit · February 2010

Wow 1 gram of protein for every pound that is half of your weight? Then I definitely need to add some more protein to my diet. What do you set your percentages to then as far as carbs/protein/fat goes

It's 1/2 gram of protein for every lb. So, if you weigh 150 lbs you should eat 75 g of protein per day. My percentages are 40% protein, and 30%, 30% for carbs and fat..

That's what is working for me.

whyflysouth · February 2010

I run at night - 11pm - 2am ... way after dinner (which i usually eat late at 7-8pm anyways) and I'll drink a little gatoraide or half of a protein shake beforehand - then I'll drink the other half when I finish or a half cup of cottage cheese or nothing and hit the sack - I immediately fall into a deep sleep...

no_worries · February 2010

I try to workout whenever I can. There doesn't seem to be a "right" time to do it. Every trainer disagrees, as does every person. The point is just to workout. I try not to workout right after I eat, and I don't eat right after, I wait at least 90 minutes.

WHEN do you exercise?

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