what time of day is best to work out?

Anytime as long as you actually do it and burn some calories lol ;0)

Anytime as long as you actually do it and burn some calories lol ;0)

^^^^^^^^
THIS

I think it's all a matter of preference, I tried working out in the morning before work, couldn't do it, after work is ok, I work mids now and early afternoon or before work is perfect for me, as another post said, workout at whatever time works best for you, so that way you will stick with it. Good luck.

I've heard morning too. It works for me, gives me a lot more energy throughout the day.

Technically, morning is better by a slight margin because you get a boost right off the bat and then end up burning more calories throughout the day.

HOWEVER, like most people, I work out in the evening because its convenient, as well as its not a big enough difference to worry about.

As long as you are staying active, I wouldn't worry about it.

I had the same question and asked around as well and everyone basically said the same thing everyone here is saying

1. workout when YOU can and will consistantly get YOU doing it
2. sometimes it takes trying different parts of the day to see what works best for you
3. anytime is better than no time

I prefer mornings. I get up everyday at 4am to do my workouts, so I have time to make my food and take a shower. I work and go to school full time so this is really the ONLY time I have to do it. On the few days off that I get, I try to sleep in, or when I'm running late I have to workout later in the day and each minute that passes i get less and less motivated.

But I know people who come home after working all day and do their workouts at 9-10 at night! But hey, it works for them

How far into the Insanity program are you? I find I HAVE to get my Insanity done in the morning because I can never seem to get "motivated" enough to workout to that later in the day.

I would try going in the morning and evenings. It tells your body you are always moving! If you work out anytime you'll lose, but I break it up. Like a hour in am and 1 hour in the pm. Then it doesn't feel like it is as much either! I tend to get bored quick, so 2 hours at one time is too much for me!

I prefer early mornings cuz I get it over with for the day! I find it really hard to get my butt to the gym later in the day...
My hubby is gonna start goin' w/me 2-3 days a week so that will be great!

I prefer mornings, but previous trainers of mine have said that it is really a matter of preference. You will work out most effectively when you are in the right mindset or mood - some people aren't morning persons, and I've know others who want to knock it out the second they get up.

i'm not a morning person so that's not the time for me. Everyone is different. The best time for most people is when they are the most awake. Then they are ready to focus on working out.

+100 On "whatever time works for ya"... but I prefer mornings. Get it done bright and early is my moto. I'm up at 5:20 AM 4 times per week to get my workouts in before things get crazy busy. Some people like late workouts, I'm spent at 10 PM...


Good luck!

You should try a week or 2 straight of different times (mornings, after work, evenings) and see what works best for you and fits into your lifestyle. Like anything else, it needs to be convenient and user friendly for YOU !

A MFP friend told me today that she has been having trouble getting up in the mornings. After talking about it she is wondering if maybe squeezing her work out in at night is causing her to stay up later, hence being more tired in the mornings.

I am a lucky morning person. It is a great way to start my day and no matter what comes up later in the day, my work out is already done !!

Good Luck !

I think it depends on you. I really prefer to workout first thing in the morning before breakfast, but I am often not able to swing that so I work out just as often in the evening. I am almost always able to put more effort into my workout in the morning, I only have to take one shower a day and I feel great all day.

Whatever works for you. I hit the gym on my way home from work, which has been working very well for me. I have a hard enough time getting out of bed for work in the morning as it is - no way am I going to try to pull myself out of bed at 4am.

The way I see it, morning, noon, or night, so long as you get your booty moving, that's all that matters.

I'm amazed at all the pro-morning responses. I am definitely *not* a morning person.

On Sunday, I got up around 9:00, put some Irish oats in the rice cooker, and decided to squeeze in a workout while they cooked. All I had in me was a glass or so of water. My workout Suuuuuucked. I was weak and out of energy, and it didn't bother me much when that voice told me to give up before all reps were done, or skip a set. After a night of burning calories (sleeping) my body didn't have a lot to go on, and my mind was totally not up to the task of keeping me focused and determined.

At the end of the work day, however, I may be "tired", but that's really just fatigue from sitting inn a chair not moving very much. As long as I have enough energy leftover from lunch (which I usually do, now that I'm eating better), then a workout feels really good. Well, really good as far as working out goes...

Anyway, I agree with the "what works for you" vote. I'm just surprised people can make it work in the morning.

Also, I've heard (and it makes sense to me) that shortly after a workout its a very good idea to consume some protein. You've just done (good) damage to your muscles, tendons, etc., and your body is now going about its job of rebuilding everything back like it was, only stronger. So if a nice abundant supply of amino acids (protein pieces) hits your blood supply, it can do a better job of rebuilding. I don't know if this is really true or just a cute idea, but I do it.