Morning or night?

Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018
Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 Posts: 24 Member
edited 12:09AM in Fitness and Exercise
Ok so I know this question may have been asked before, just want to know what has been working for people lately.

Workouts in the mornings or in the evenings?
I am pushing myself to wake up early to workout because honestly I am exhausted by the time I get off work to even think of working out. I just want to make sure that what I've done in the morning is really helping me to burn calories throughout the day. Any help would be appreciated.thanks

Replies

  • cwolfman13
    cwolfman13 Posts: 41,865 Member
    It doesn't matter...

    For me, it just depends on the time of year...in the summer I like to ride in the AM because the alternative is riding in 100+ temps. Late spring and early fall are very pleasant for evening rides. In the winter I focus more on the weight room...2x per week after work and then Sunday AM and I get out for an afternoon ride if it's nice out on a Saturday...otherwise a spin on the indoor trainer a few days per week whenever I can get it in...
  • LivingtheLeanDream
    LivingtheLeanDream Posts: 13,342 Member
    edited January 2018
    If I didn't workout first thing, I probably wouldn't get round to it at all...
  • Alatariel75
    Alatariel75 Posts: 18,227 Member
    It doesn't really matter from a physiological point of view, though some studies have shown a small advantage to morning workouts. The major deciding factor is what fits your life. As you say, you're usually too tired of an evening, so morning workouts would seem to help your adherence.
  • Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018
    Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 Posts: 24 Member
    Thanks for the input. I guess it's just the feeling of thinking that I'm not giving my all in the morning compared to what I would in the evening. This is my second day of waking up in the a.m and I have hit the snooze button but managed to still get up and workout. 10 mins into the workout and I am feeling it but I'm only working out for 30 mins. So I want to make sure that I'm actually doing something during that time. If that makes sense. Lol
  • Inspirationalwaterjug
    Inspirationalwaterjug Posts: 384 Member
    Afternoon for sure but I like long preworkout ritual.
  • Okiludy
    Okiludy Posts: 558 Member
    It can take up to 3 months for things to form a habit.

    I lift in the early am. I wake at 3:15 am on lifting days and 5 am on rest days. Well, that's when the alarm is for but don't sleep past 4:30 any day of the week. It took a few weeks to get accustomed to waking early but now it's a habit.

    You will need to go to bed earlier but the advantages for me of lifting before it gets too hot or busy at gym outweigh this. I also have more time with family even going to bed early. I get home from work by 5 pm and spend a good 3-4 hours with them instead of getting home at 7 pm and getting to see them for 2 hours before they need to go to bed.
  • Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018
    Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 Posts: 24 Member
    Okiludy wrote: »
    It can take up to 3 months for things to form a habit.

    I lift in the early am. I wake at 3:15 am on lifting days and 5 am on rest days. Well, that's when the alarm is for but don't sleep past 4:30 any day of the week. It took a few weeks to get accustomed to waking early but now it's a habit.

    You will need to go to bed earlier but the advantages for me of lifting before it gets too hot or busy at gym outweigh this. I also have more time with family even going to bed early. I get home from work by 5 pm and spend a good 3-4 hours with them instead of getting home at 7 pm and getting to see them for 2 hours before they need to go to bed.

    Wow you are a beast!!! I agree, sleeping early definitely helps. I also agree with having more time to spend with family after work. I get off at 6 by the time I get home and workout, it doesn't leave me to much time but to shower and go to sleep. Thanks for the input
  • KANGOOJUMPS
    KANGOOJUMPS Posts: 6,474 Member
    out the door for 4am! LOVE MY MORNINGS!
  • Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018
    Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 Posts: 24 Member
    How long do your workouts usually last for?
  • peaceout_aly
    peaceout_aly Posts: 2,018 Member
    It doesn't matter in regards to a calorie burn. You're still getting the same work out - it really depends on your motivation and energy level. When are you more apt to give it your all and push yourself harder? For me, mid-afternoon is the best. I've already eaten, so I feel strong and energized, and the gym isn't too packed to the point where I give up on waiting for machines or racks.
  • Okiludy
    Okiludy Posts: 558 Member
    Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 wrote: »
    How long do your workouts usually last for?

    I am an intermediate lifter trying to hit a 1200 total by end of the year. This means my workouts are long. They run 2 hours on a light day. Sunday my heavy day, I can be in the gym for 2.5 - 3 hours but that is taking fairly long breaks between sets.

    When I was a novice it was around 1-1.5 hours in the gym and I was only in gym 3 days a week.
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 wrote: »
    Thanks for the input. I guess it's just the feeling of thinking that I'm not giving my all in the morning compared to what I would in the evening. This is my second day of waking up in the a.m and I have hit the snooze button but managed to still get up and workout. 10 mins into the workout and I am feeling it but I'm only working out for 30 mins. So I want to make sure that I'm actually doing something during that time. If that makes sense. Lol

    The best time to workout is the time that fits your schedule (and personal preferences) best and allows you to be the most consistent with it. Consistency trumps all else in terms of results.
  • Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018
    Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 Posts: 24 Member
    Thank you all. This helps alot!!
  • Davidsdottir
    Davidsdottir Posts: 1,285 Member
    I'm usually a 5 am lifter, but because of work stuff right now I'm going to the gym at 5 pm and I HATE it. In the morning, it's practically empty and I can do my thing and go. After work, the weight section is like a zoo and I spend half my time waiting for racks, benches, barbells, etc.
  • Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018
    Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 Posts: 24 Member
    Davidsdottir wrote: »
    I'm usually a 5 am lifter, but because of work stuff right now I'm going to the gym at 5 pm and I HATE it. In the morning, it's practically empty and I can do my thing and go. After work, the weight section is like a zoo and I spend half my time waiting for racks, benches, barbells, etc.

    Omg yes I can only imagine. I was never able to lift at the gym after work. Poor selection and everyone was using.
  • Live_life_well
    Live_life_well Posts: 86 Member
    I hit the gym at 5am. Gyms are an absolute zoo in the evening. Plus, what gets done first gets done most often. If I make excercise my last priority then I am less likely to do it.
  • fitoverfortymom
    fitoverfortymom Posts: 3,452 Member
    I do it early because that is when its most convenient for me. I try to be out the door for my run by 445 am.
  • Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018
    Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 Posts: 24 Member
    Live_life_well wrote: »
    I hit the gym at 5am. Gyms are an absolute zoo in the evening. Plus, what gets done first gets done most often. If I make excercise my last priority then I am less likely to do it.

    That's how I see it too!!
  • THeADHDTurnip
    THeADHDTurnip Posts: 413 Member
    Pros of being a morning lifter; few people are at the gym. I go at 4 am. I find I have more explosive energy first thing.
  • Motorsheen
    Motorsheen Posts: 20,508 Member
    I seriously can't get into lifting early in the day.

    Cardio in the morning (going for a run) is okay, but lifting before the Sun gets warm... ain't happening.
  • Riskay123
    Riskay123 Posts: 159 Member
    I have always exercised in the evening. This year I have started getting up at 5am and I am quite enjoying it at the moment. I do struggle to get out of bed but once I am up within 5 minutes I am fine. I also like that once I get home from work I can chill out because my workout is done.
  • _mr_b
    _mr_b Posts: 302 Member
    Whatever fits the routine. Usually that means evenings during the week and mornings at the weekend.
    I love getting a workout in before work as it can really set up the day but it’s a rare thing for me to be able to squeeze one in.
  • jfan175
    jfan175 Posts: 812 Member
    Whatever you enjoy and will stick with. The minute benefits from using the optimal time of day do not matter if it means skipping workouts.
  • callsitlikeiseeit
    callsitlikeiseeit Posts: 8,626 Member
    your body does not care.

    do it when it works best for your schedule.
  • jdfish86
    jdfish86 Posts: 21 Member
    During the summer, it is easier for me to workout in the mornings at 6am before work. It is convenient that we have a gym and locker room in our workplace, so I’m a little spoiled. During the school year, I can’t get to work early because I get my kids off to school, so I workout before my lunchtime. I think you just pick the time that works best for you, and make a habit of it.

    Have a great day!
  • MichelleWithMoxie
    MichelleWithMoxie Posts: 1,817 Member
    Morning.
  • Nikki10129
    Nikki10129 Posts: 292 Member
    I enjoy relaxing during the mornings to help ease myself into the day, so I still get up early but will usually put on a yoga video and do a light 30 min or so to warm my body up, then I get cozy on the couch and enjoy a cup of coffee before work. I'll then do my actual workout around 8pm at the gym. I find that's a good time, not busy and I've rarely (if ever) had to wait for the rack or bench press then, I especially love Friday nights, sometimes I'm the only one there! I go to a womens only gym so I've never had to wait for a cardio machine because there are so many :p

    Now depending on what's going on during the week, sometimes my workout falls on a Saturday and I like to try to get there for when it opens (8am) because the lunchtime Saturday rush is crazy! But yeah, like most people mentioned, do what works for you. I'd heard the bits about how good it is to workout in the morning and so that's what I tried initially, but I just couldn't force myself to get up and leave my house before I had to for work so evenings are what I've been finding I can stick to!
  • KarenSmith2018
    KarenSmith2018 Posts: 302 Member
    Love my morning sessions but my CrossFit box only opens up one morning a week :-( I really enjoying running in a morning as well. Plus it frees up the evenings a little more to enjoy spending time with my fiance.
  • Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018
    Leah_Achieving_Goals_2018 Posts: 24 Member
    Thanks for all the feedback. I think I will stick to the mornings as that has been working best for me and maybe workout in the evening during the weekends!!
  • jesspen91
    jesspen91 Posts: 1,383 Member
    I go in the morning. If I went after work I wouldn't be able to get there until about 6pm then say I'm at the gym for an hour, by the time I get home it will be 7:30 or 8. I really wouldn't want to start preparing meal at that time. I'd be starving and far more likely to graze.

    In the morning I'm not as hungry so I can do my workout and then grab a quick breakfast.
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