what time of day do you exercise and why?

robinellis
robinellis Posts: 66
edited October 2 in Fitness and Exercise
I choose to exercise in the evenings as that is when i "mentally" feel like exercising the most and i'm sure i read somewhere that it makes no difference when you exercise as long as you exercise.

But i am very curious about everyone else's opinions. am i losing out on some of the benefits of my workout because i choose to work out in the evenings?

Replies

  • Jesung
    Jesung Posts: 236 Member
    I usually go mid-morning or noon because I weight train fasted.
    As far as I know, when you work out doesn't matter but you should try to eat a large meal after you work out.
  • Enforcer25
    Enforcer25 Posts: 350 Member
    I exercise before my midnight shift around 3 or 4. I tried morning workouts and workouts after work, I really like this time. My opinion is you need to workout at avtime that works best for you, so you will stick with it.
  • hockeymom180
    hockeymom180 Posts: 35 Member
    If I'm running, I run in the morning, otherwise I'll spend the day finding excuses. If I'm doing weights or yoga, I do it in the afternoon, after I'm done with my work.
  • fionat29
    fionat29 Posts: 717 Member
    I do 30DS first thing before breakfast and usually run after lunch once its gone down. I never exercise in the evening because I like to relax then
  • MissMaryMac33
    MissMaryMac33 Posts: 1,433 Member
    I go when the class fits my schedule....during the week, usually 4p-6p, weekends in the morning.
    Sometimes if there is no zumba or other class I like, I just use the elliptical and often go late late night..like 9p or 10p when its quiet.
    I don't think it really matters :) As least you're getting off your butt and doing something!
  • SophRW
    SophRW Posts: 93 Member
    Right after breakfast for an hour. I have the most energy before school. I would be thinking about having to workout all day if I saved it for later, plus I am so whooped when I get home.
  • LoveHoodies
    LoveHoodies Posts: 65
    In the evening, usually an hour or so after dinner, or around 9pm. I work all day, come home and relax, and I'm not waking up early to exercise. I like sleep more :p

    On the weekends, usually sometime between lunch and dinner.
  • kelley_lynn
    kelley_lynn Posts: 133 Member
    mornings work better for me, i can get more speed up *im walking* only at this time, by later afer noon, my pace is a lot slower.
    But over all.. depending on my mood, any part of the day is great. As long as i do it.
  • Sinda
    Sinda Posts: 13
    I work out twice a day; in the morning before school because I've noticed it gives me more energy in the morning and I'm usually able to concentrate in class more and after school before it gets dark because I've noticed I'm a lot less motivated to work out after it gets dark.
  • rockylucas
    rockylucas Posts: 343 Member
    From all the search I have looked at, it does not matter when you choose to exercise, so long as you DO it. If you have found a time that works for you, that you are sticking to, then don't change it for some magical extra benefit.

    That said, I always do cardio first thing in the morning. That means I get to be lazy the rest of the day if I want to, BUT, I often find myself feeling better and having more energy because of it. Also, when I tried to do evening exercise, I would mentally dread it, whereas I dont have time to dread it when I have to do it first thing when I wake up :)
  • Jconner30
    Jconner30 Posts: 311
    I work out in the morning - 1st because its cooler (I live in Texas) - 2nd because you burn calories throught the day - 3rd it sets the tone for the day :smile:
  • havs23
    havs23 Posts: 68 Member
    technicallly you have the most energy (and can therefore perform harder workouts and see greater results) at around 3 or 4, when you've had breakfast and lunch to fuel you up. but honestly, it's better to find a time you can fit into your schedule and stick with it; a time that's comfortable for you is much more important.
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    At night because that is when I have the most energy and motivation. I work second shift, so I am definitely a night owl. Stay up late and sleep late.

    There are a lot of times when I go after I get out of work - so I'm usually there between 10pm-1am. :)
  • LH2011
    LH2011 Posts: 176 Member
    During the week I walk first thing in the morning after I drop the kids to school at the weekend I get out when I can. But I much prefer first things I really enjoy walking then and it sets me up for the day.
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  • medoria
    medoria Posts: 673 Member
    I do Ripped one hour after breakfast just so I dont bother my neighbours to much with all the plyometrics etc. Also I liked to do it as early as possible just to get it over with. I know myself and im mad lazy, if I dont do it right away it wont get done. And also, as I go through the day and eat, I cant train if Im too stuffed.
  • JENIFER_AZ
    JENIFER_AZ Posts: 235 Member
    Early morning. Why? KIDS! They cramp your style!
  • chevy88grl
    chevy88grl Posts: 3,937 Member
    technicallly you have the most energy (and can therefore perform harder workouts and see greater results) at around 3 or 4, when you've had breakfast and lunch to fuel you up. but honestly, it's better to find a time you can fit into your schedule and stick with it; a time that's comfortable for you is much more important.

    If you live a traditional lifestyle this would be true. However, at 3pm I've usually only had breakfast and am not at my peak energy level yet. It all depends on when you get up, what time you eat, etc. :) For those of us who live a non-traditional lifestyle (ie; work second or third shift) we may not be at our peak energy levels around 3 or 4pm (I know I'm not! I'm at my peak around 9 or 10pm!).
  • robinellis
    robinellis Posts: 66
    wow thanks for all the responses!! i really was starting to think i was working out at the wrong time so i love to see that everyone does it at different times and for so many more reasons than just the time of day!!
  • tuneses
    tuneses Posts: 467 Member
    Early morning. Why? KIDS! They cramp your style!

    lol This but like 9-10 cause baby naps
  • AHealthierRhonda
    AHealthierRhonda Posts: 881 Member
    I try to do 30 Day Shred in the mornings when I manage to get up early. Other than that, I normally do the majority of my exercising in the evenings between 6-8 pm depending on what I am doing. If I am working out at home I go from 6-7ish my Zumba classes are 7 and 7:30 though so those nights get a later start, but I do sometimes go on my elliptical for a bit before the class.
  • moefitt
    moefitt Posts: 15 Member
    The policy for the trainers at my gym is to work out between "primetime" hours (12:00-5:00) so for me, it depends on the day...if i'm not weight training, I'll do cardio
  • pawsmum
    pawsmum Posts: 23
    i work in the exercise around my shifts
    so it can vary on a day to day basis
  • Kate6868
    Kate6868 Posts: 159 Member
    I take walks at night when my husband can go with me.
  • HonestOmnivore
    HonestOmnivore Posts: 1,356 Member
    Much to the horror of my family (because I take them with me) I work out in the mornings before work. This means we get to the rec center between 6 - 6:30 AM - because otherwise we never go. There is just TOO MUCH going on when the rest of the world is awake!
  • jellybean1971
    jellybean1971 Posts: 417 Member
    with a baby and a 4 year old in the house, I fit my exercise in whenever I can.
  • jacksonpt
    jacksonpt Posts: 10,413 Member
    My body responds better the later I work out, so after dinner or after the kids go to bed.
  • NoWeighJose74
    NoWeighJose74 Posts: 581 Member
    My workout times vary. I work 12hr rotating shiftwork, 4 days on 4 days off. So I have different days off each week. If a workout day is on a day I'm working, I go AFTER my shift. So sometimes, it around 8pm, other times at 8am.

    The only thing that remains constant, is if I happen to workout on a day off from work. If that's the case, I work out at 2pm.

    Confusing? Sometimes. :laugh:
  • JNick77
    JNick77 Posts: 3,783 Member
    I choose to exercise in the evenings as that is when i "mentally" feel like exercising the most and i'm sure i read somewhere that it makes no difference when you exercise as long as you exercise.

    But i am very curious about everyone else's opinions. am i losing out on some of the benefits of my workout because i choose to work out in the evenings?

    Although I would kind of like to workout in the evening when I'm more awake, the early morning is actually best for me. The gym is pretty quiet and I can do my thing and I'm good and awake for work and ready for my day.
  • NeuroticVirgo
    NeuroticVirgo Posts: 3,671 Member
    Evenings. This is usually after my daughter has gone to bed, and I've had time to kind of pause and just breath....then I feel more prepared to go exercise. I've tried to go in the morning (thinking it would be nice to just get it out of the way) and it never works. :0/
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