what time to do you think is best for exercising?

this topic is debatable but I've heard that if you work out in the morning before eating, you'll achieve better results because your body was fasting and that makes your body burn the fat stored in your body. Not sure if this is true, so I'd love to hear feedback :)

Replies

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    I'ts not debatable at all...the best time to workout is whenever you're able to give it 110% and crush the frackin' **** out of your workout.

    Your body is constantly in a state of fat oxidation, carb burning, fat oxidation, carb burning. You don't have to fast to make your body do this...it makes no difference whatsoever...a deficit of energy is a deficit of energy is a deficit of energy...if you're in a deficit of energy overall, you're going to use fat as fuel period.
  • Oh_Allie
    Oh_Allie Posts: 258 Member
    There's going to be tons of answers to this, but I like to look at food as fuel, same as I would fuel for a car. I can't drive my car with no gasoline in the tank, so I can't operate my body that way either.
  • micheleb15
    micheleb15 Posts: 1,418 Member
    If you're working out, you're doing it right. I go at 6am because that is what fits my schedule and I drink chocolate milk before. I am not a fan of fasted workouts, my body needs something to get through a lifting session. I have had no issues losing inches.
  • pinklemonayde530
    pinklemonayde530 Posts: 29 Member
    I always like doing it in the morning. I can be busy mid-day and when night comes I just want to relax and my bed likes to call my name so no matter how much I tell myself, "I'll do it tonight" I know the chances of that happening are slim to none. If I do it in the morning I can't make excuses that I'm tired or I'd rather hang out with friends.
  • JenMc14
    JenMc14 Posts: 2,389 Member
    The best time to work out, as others have said, is when you'll do it. I work out at 4:30 am-ish (I try to be started by 5), because I'm consistent then. I do my workouts fasted, not because of any benefit, but because I don't like to work out right after eating, and I don't want to get up earlier just to eat, then wait, then work out. I will eat if I feel super crappy and like I need food, but I usually feel ok.
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    I do cardio in the morning (as you said, fasted). I do sprinting or intervals and weight training in the afternoon (higher glycogen stores and warmer muscles).
  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    Another reason to consider the morning relates to decision fatigue. That is the theory that you only have so much willpower each day and once you use it up, you're less likely to make good decisions. If you make a morning habit of working out, you're much more likely to stick with the program.
  • WalkingAlong
    WalkingAlong Posts: 4,926 Member
    I remember when Body for Life first came out. Bill Phillips had made a big deal in it about how you burn so much more fat working out first thing in the morning. Then later he retracted it saying it didn't really make much difference, I think. I was glad because I'm not a morning workout person and the idea that I was getting some small fraction of the benefit I could otherwise was really discouraging.
  • KeViN_v2pt0
    KeViN_v2pt0 Posts: 375 Member
    this topic is debatable but I've heard that if you work out in the morning before eating, you'll achieve better results because your body was fasting and that makes your body burn the fat stored in your body. Not sure if this is true, so I'd love to hear feedback :)

    Probably right now. That would be a good time. Yes.... Now.
  • rileysowner
    rileysowner Posts: 8,336 Member
    I'ts not debatable at all...the best time to workout is whenever you're able to give it 110% and crush the frackin' **** out of your workout.

    Your body is constantly in a state of fat oxidation, carb burning, fat oxidation, carb burning. You don't have to fast to make your body do this...it makes no difference whatsoever...a deficit of energy is a deficit of energy is a deficit of energy...if you're in a deficit of energy overall, you're going to use fat as fuel period.

    This. The best time to workout is when you will actually do it, and keeping doing it. If a person is not a morning person, trying to get up extra early to fit in a workout MAY result in lack of long term compliance with the plan. Workout when it works for you.
  • stanleypoobrick
    stanleypoobrick Posts: 71 Member
    I agree with the other comments, it's really just about finding a time to suit you. I start work at 4am and would struggle to find time to work-out before that, so I go to the gym after work at around 1-2pm. If it's just for weight-loss, exercise is beneficial at any time.

    An interesting thing though is studies show that if you want to tire yourself out because you struggle to fall asleep at night, exercising 4 hours before your bed time is the best. if you exercise right before bed, your body is still pumped from endorphins.
  • I try and do mornings for the reasons listed above. Less excuses and best to get it done and out of the way. Also, it sets up a "right frame of mind" when I see tempting foods, I think back to how hard I busted my butt on my workout and I am able to resist because I am not willing to undo my 30-45 minute work in 2 bites. Afternoons are good to because of the glycogen levels but again....I find too many excuses...Try different times for a week or two and see what feels right for you!
  • _KitKat_
    _KitKat_ Posts: 1,066 Member
    For me the only time that always fits in my schedule is after dinner, then my husband and I both hit the gym we go 4-6 times a week trying to make it 5-6. I am not a morning person and my day is too busy, plus I love working out with my hubby and that is the only time that works with his schedule too. I think the time that you are motivated and able to workout is the right time to do it.
  • FrnkLft
    FrnkLft Posts: 1,821 Member
    this topic is debatable but I've heard that if you work out in the morning before eating, you'll achieve better results because your body was fasting and that makes your body burn the fat stored in your body. Not sure if this is true, so I'd love to hear feedback :)

    I don't know that anyone addressed the "workout fasted" myth here, but it is just a myth. Whether you workout on a full stomach or otherwise, it does not help you "maximize" the fat/calorie burn. Just isn't true.

    That said, it's usually better to workout about an hour after taking in some "dirty carbs" so that you have the energy available in your bloodstream to perform at your best.

    A great book that addresses all these kinds of things, and is really easy to read, is New Rules of Lifting for Women. I highly suggest you pick it up.



    Also I prefer to workout in the evenings, or on weekends in the late morning/early afternoon. No way in hell I exercise soon after waking up. Makes me feel sick... and it sucks lol
  • jodiehong
    jodiehong Posts: 22 Member
    It's morning for me! I wake up at 4:30 a.m. to work out on weekdays. After work, I just want to enjoy family time, TV time, and relax. :) Find what works for you without setting yourself up to fail. There's no bad time to exercise. Consistency is key!
  • gracielynn1011
    gracielynn1011 Posts: 726 Member
    The best time to work out is always when you can devote yourself 110% to a kick butt workout. For me, that's about 6-7 pm. That's the best time for me because I've gotten work for the day finished, kids settled with home work and chores, and supper in the oven. I can focus on myself for 30-45 minutes with full intensity.
  • ilmb87
    ilmb87 Posts: 216 Member
    I've exercised in the morning, in the afternoon, and at night. For me, I tend to feel better exercising in the morning, before I do anything else. Having food in my system while I exercise, for some reason, makes me feel sluggish.
  • rhon456
    rhon456 Posts: 15 Member
    I prefer the morning, mostly because my gym is quieter. All the big muscley guys appear at night and hog the machines! It gets me going and puts me in a good mood for the rest of the day too.