Late Night Exercise?

So...I am thinking I am going to start taking late night walk/jogs (like 11pm) because it is just too hard to do it during the day when the kids are awake. I am not much of a morning person so I don't want to wake up before them to do it. Does anyone know if the time of day will make a difference?

Replies

  • Some people find that intense exercise too close to bed time can cause insomnia. But if that doesn't happen, then IMHO, go for it. I frequently walk within an hour of bed time and it doesn't cause problems for me.

    Georgia
  • kimski08
    kimski08 Posts: 28 Member
    I've found it easier to fit in exercise after say 9/10pm and personally I'm sparko as soon as my head hits the pillow and generally sleep through the night. Whereas if I don't do anything I'm tossing and turning all night - probably because I'm regretting not doing any exercise!

    Only problem I had tonight on my run was it was starting to get a bit icy so I'm not sure if that is going to be a problem.
  • I work out late, too, but not that late. I usually get to the gym no later than 8:30p.m. I work long hours, so it's difficult for me to go any sooner. I REFUSE to go at 5a.m. anymore lol. I was told that late night workouts were good in that it gets your metabolism working faster before bed :) I'm not sure if that's correct, but hey. We do what we can!
  • Hadunka
    Hadunka Posts: 59 Member
    I have just finished first day of 30 day shred...at 11 p.m.
  • photogal375
    photogal375 Posts: 149 Member
    I enjoy going to the gym in the evening. It hasn't effected my sleep pattern at all. When my head hits the pillow.... I'm out! :)
  • Thanks for the input...I was actually thinking it might raise my metabolism before bed, had never read anything about it but it just makes logical sense. Definitely going to get some exercise in later :)
  • kimski08
    kimski08 Posts: 28 Member
    never heard anyone discouraging other late bed time activities before so can't be that bad for you lol ;-)
  • never heard anyone discouraging other late bed time activities before so can't be that bad for you lol ;-)

    LOL...true...
  • With kids and work, after 9pm is my time to workout most nights, and I love it.
  • I would give it a try and see if it works for you. If you have issues with insomnia, it might not be a good idea. However if you are a total night owl like me, then do it up! I prefer to do my walking late as well (when I could walk). Mostly because I prefer the quiet and solitude that the night has to offer. :) Once I am able to walk again I will be out there walking under the moon!
  • clarkeje1
    clarkeje1 Posts: 1,641 Member
    I say that you should do it whenever it is convenient for you! Better late than never! I used to work out at night. Now I am giving mornings a try.
  • Leslietheriot
    Leslietheriot Posts: 303 Member
    My favorite time to go to the gym is about 2 a.m. Usually no one in there but me. I'm all about a night time workout.
  • I thought exercise gets your blood flowing....so you might not be able to sleep. But i'm with you. I have a kid and I need to take care of her first....its hard to get a work out in while she is awake. I sometimes go after she is asleep around 8 and walk for an hour or so.
  • RainbootsToBikinis
    RainbootsToBikinis Posts: 465 Member
    The best time of day to exercise is the time you'll actually do it :) For me it's 5:30 am for you it could be 11pm, do what works for you.
  • The only reason to avoid it would be if you live in a sketchy area. If you live somewhere safe, go ahead!
  • sarahg148
    sarahg148 Posts: 701 Member
    For me, when I workout late...if I take a hot shower before bed it tends to help me sleep better, too.
  • _Timmeh_
    _Timmeh_ Posts: 2,096 Member
    Running at night is perfect IMO, great nights sleep after for me.
  • I always work out at 9 or later after the kids are in bed. No problems at all!
  • albinogorilla
    albinogorilla Posts: 1,056 Member
    I go to the gym at midnight when i get out of work, its the only time i have to go
  • Xandriarose
    Xandriarose Posts: 12 Member
    I workout later in the evening and I still sleep like a baby. Usually I'm done with my workouts by 9 or 10pm though.
  • writemusic4him
    writemusic4him Posts: 312 Member
    I have trouble falling asleep even when I work out right after work.
  • ManEnMotion
    ManEnMotion Posts: 73 Member
    Thanks for the input...I was actually thinking it might raise my metabolism before bed, had never read anything about it but it just makes logical sense. Definitely going to get some exercise in later :)

    I love running late at night. I try to do it once a week and find it just starts my weight loss if I get stuck for 2-4 days at one weight.

    For sleep hygien it's not the best
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    Even if there was some sort of advantage to working out at a certain time of the day (which there isn't), doing it consistently at a time which fits into your lifestyle is far better than missing workouts because you can't fit them in or can only put in a half-hearted effort at other times. In other words, fit your workouts in whenever works best for you.
  • For me, when I workout late...if I take a hot shower before bed it tends to help me sleep better, too.

    I agree with this! It's the best...
  • jennytree
    jennytree Posts: 195 Member
    I love going running late at around 10pm - it's really peaceful yet you'd be surprised how many others are out doing the same thing. I find that I am more awake when I get back, but if I really push it and tire myself out, then I can sleep with no problems after a lovely long hot shower.