When is the best time to exercise?

I prefer to do it in the morning but I am not able to do anything until about 8 at night, it works for me.

Do it whenever you will do it! It's a great way to get your day started, and you don't want to do it too close to bedtime since it could possibly disturb sleep. However, the best time to do it is any time you can fit it into your schedule.

I do mine at night now because hubby is home and I can do it without the kids bothering me. But I used to like mornings to get it over and done with plus it energizes me for the day.

I think its all personal preference.

The best time to workout is when YOU will do it on a most consistant basis. I HATE working out in the morning but if I don't, it won't get done.....therefore for me, morning is best.

Whenever you'll do it.

Any reported benefits advocating another time of day over another are miniscule, and unless you're a big money athlete not something I would worry about.

I gotta agree with mornings also! But I'm a morning person to the core. I enjoy privacy when I go on my walks so that is another reason I get outta bed early to do so.

But I also used to walk during breaks at work with also felt pretty good. Just a walk aournd the block can make me feel good.

Yup, I agree with the others, whenever you'll do it! I personally am a morning person and love waking up early for a good workout. I get fueled for the day, have better eating habits, and my entire evening to myself as a result. Evening workouts are painful for me because there are so many other things I want to do when I get home from work other than go to the gym. You'll just have to experiment until you find what works for you!

There is no "Right" time, being consistent and exercising daily or on a regular basis is whats most important. There are pros and cons to all times of the day. Here they are for you to decide which option is best for YOU.

AM workouts
Pros:
• The majority of people who exercise consistently do so early in the day. It is easier to form the exercise habit through morning exercise.
• Fewer distractions and schedule interruptions.
• Can make time for exercise by getting up a bit earlier.
• Raises your heart rate and metabolism to burn more calories earlier in the day.
• Gives a feeling of physical energy for hours.
• Improves your mental acuity for hours.
• Cooler temperatures in summer.
• Lowest air pollution levels in the morning.
• Body adjusts to your exercise time, so if you are training for a morning walking event, train in the morning.

Cons:
• Body temperature is at its lowest 1 to 3 hours before awakening, making morning a time of naturally lower energy and blood flow.
• Cold, stiff muscles may be more prone to injury. Be sure to warm up well before doing a higher speed workout, and do gentle stretching.
• If you do not enjoy morning exercise, you won't easily form a walking habit by choosing a morning workout time.
• Because body temperature and hormones are higher in late afternoon, you probably get the same or better calorie-burning effects later in the day.

Lunch time
Pros:
• Can make a habit to walk and exercise at lunch and break time.
• Can use a walking and exercise partner at work, school, or in your neighborhood.
• Body temperature and hormone levels are higher than first thing in the morning.
• Can help regulate the amount of food you feel like eating for lunch, and help you avoid break-time snacking.
• Improves blood flow to the brain so you are sharper in the afternoon.
• Stress relief from work, school, or home stresses.
Cons:
• Time constraints may not allow you to get in a full workout. Any amount is good, but best if you can walk 30 to 60 minutes or more at a stretch
• Distractions and other commitments make keep you from walking and exercising at the appointed times.
• Research shows that lung function is worst at noon. For an easy walk, you may not notice the difference. But for a vigorous workout or for those with lung problems, the 15% to 20% difference may be felt.

Afternoons (3-7pm)
Research shows that afternoon (3 p.m. to 7 p.m.) is the best time to exercise for both endurance and for building muscle.
Pros:
• For most people, body temperature and hormone levels peak at 6 p.m. Exercising 3 hours before or after the peak will give your your best workout for both endurance and building muscle.
• Research shows lung function is best at 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Muscles are warm and flexible.
• Perceived exertion is lowest -- how hard you feel yourself to be working at exercise. So you may be able to work out harder or faster by doing so in the afternoon.
• Can help regulate the amount of food you feel like eating for dinner.
• Stress relief after a day at work, school, or home.

Cons:
• Distractions and other commitments make keep you from walking and exercising at the appointed times.

Evening (after dinner or past 6pm)
Pros:
• For most people, body temperature and hormone levels peak at 6 p.m. Exercising 3 hours before or after the peak will give your your best workout for both endurance and building muscle.
• Muscles are warm and flexible.
• Perceived exertion is low -- how hard you feel yourself to be working at exercise. So you may be able to work out harder or faster.
• Can help regulate the amount of food you feel like eating for dinner.
• Stress relief after a day at work, school, or home.
Cons:
• Distractions and other commitments make keep you from walking and exercising at the appointed times.
• Need to allow one to three hours to wind down after walking or exercise to be able to fall asleep.
• If you discover sleeping problems, need to schedule your workout earlier.
• At dark times of the year, be sure to wear reflective gear.

THE VERY BEST TIME OF DAY TO WALK

The very best time to walk? Walking can only do you good if you do it. The best time to walk is the time that will fit best into your schedule so you can do it consistently. Experts agree -- it is not the time of day that matters as much as finding the time you can set aside consistently for your workouts.

In other words, working out after dinner will be JUST AS GOOD for you as any other time of day! Keep it up someday you won't be embarassed anymore :flowerforyou: