LATE WORKOUTS - bad????????

TriThreat
TriThreat Posts: 313
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Hey, need some help! I have a packed out day (work job #1 in the mornings, job #2 in the afternoons)
I end up working out around 8 or 9 at night. Once school starts back, that will probably become 9 or 10 at night.

Is working out late bad for you? Or does it make a real difference what time of the day you work out?
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Replies

  • Spanaval
    Spanaval Posts: 1,200 Member
    Doesn't matter. I just finished mine, and it's 11:30 here. That's pretty much the norm for me.
  • SherryTeach
    SherryTeach Posts: 2,836 Member
    If I work out too late, I can't get to sleep on time. And I really must get enough sleep as that is part of my health plan as well. So I never personally do vigorous exercise after 8:00. But that's because I get up at 5:00am. Other people's schedules may be very different and they aren't bothered by working out at night. Do what works.
  • basslinewild
    basslinewild Posts: 294 Member
    I usually work out between 9 and 10pm. It works for me.
  • jyuubi
    jyuubi Posts: 109
    I don't think it matters when you exercise, as long as you do.

    It would only become a problem for you if it gets you all revved up and you find yourself unable to sleep. Personally, if I exercise when I'm already tired, it only helps me get to bed faster, haha. But most of the time, my work outs are in the morning or afternoon, when I'm awake, because if I'm awake, it does get me revved up.

    Everyone is different. If it works for you, it works for you.
  • smantha32
    smantha32 Posts: 6,990 Member
    I always work out late at night. I don't do mornings.
  • Casey45
    Casey45 Posts: 160 Member
    I have read that cardio tends to be more energizing (harder to relax/sleep after) when compared to weight lifting. Don't know about late night work outs. I tend to feel pretty energized after my workouts, but I workout with the dawn patrol. I guess it all comes down to what works for you.
  • TriThreat
    TriThreat Posts: 313
    Haven't noticed it effecting my sleep, so hopefully everything will be fine. So calories will still burn about the same?
  • splucy
    splucy Posts: 353
    I've tried to do morning work outs and I find that I don't have the energy for them.

    I've always worked out at night and I've managed to lose 9kgs? o.O so I guess it must be fine!
  • javagsd
    javagsd Posts: 82
    I read on one fitness site today that there's a problem if you go to sleep without eating anything after exercising. Need to replenish; The same site also said that the ideal time to exercise is 2 hours after eating because of the insulin peak then.
  • fmbomzo
    fmbomzo Posts: 382 Member
    I finish my workouts between 9:30 and 11:30 each night. I sleep well. I'm not an early riser so I'm more likely to not skip a workout if I workout at night. My mornings are hectic.
  • Bobby_Clerici
    Bobby_Clerici Posts: 1,828 Member
    I can't do anything inside of 3 hours before sleep.
    Exercise rev's me up, and I'll get lousy sleep.
    Maybe other people are different.
  • Cold_Steel
    Cold_Steel Posts: 897 Member
    I gotta get up at 6am at the latest I always have a terrible day the next day after I get home late the night before 11ish from a late night work out. I cant get to sleep until about 1am after a work out I am just too wired and cannot rest. Plus I find that I cannot get enough fluids post work out in if I am trying to go to bed right after
  • harriet_tubman
    harriet_tubman Posts: 52
    it's not bad. there are "better" times to work out but the reasons are mostly personal preference, i think. in the end it doesn't matter and it's better than not working out at all.
  • TriThreat
    TriThreat Posts: 313
    I read on one fitness site today that there's a problem if you go to sleep without eating anything after exercising. Need to replenish; The same site also said that the ideal time to exercise is 2 hours after eating because of the insulin peak then.

    I usually eat a bigger lunch or dinner before a workout, and then I eat a smaller snack after working out, so hopefully I will be ok :)
  • tubaman58
    tubaman58 Posts: 151
    As long as you can sleep OK it's fine
  • mjmfitnesstraining
    mjmfitnesstraining Posts: 2
    It is actually great to workout at night! Your natural testosterone levels are raised more at night (yes even you women), this means that you are more anabolic (able to build muscle easier) just make sure you get your post workout meal in before bed.

    PS: it is also great to work at night due to the fact that you can sleep a little after and that will help speed up recovery :)
  • Mrs_Duh
    Mrs_Duh Posts: 263
    Like other posters, I can have a harder time falling asleep if I workout late... but I always feel that a late workout is better than no workout.
  • Emmy248
    Emmy248 Posts: 18
    I've been working out pretty late because of my schedule and I've found that for me at least, I can go to sleep faster. I don't know why but I get more tired after working out (cardio or lifting) rather than more energized so I don't do it in the morning so that I can have the energy for what I need to do. I usually work out in the afternoon before dinner but like I said, schedule hasn't worked.. Hope now I can work out in the afternoons. Maybe it's because I'm not a morning person or something but it doesn't work.. I'll try earlier though.
  • Emmy248
    Emmy248 Posts: 18
    It is actually great to workout at night! Your natural testosterone levels are raised more at night (yes even you women), this means that you are more anabolic (able to build muscle easier) just make sure you get your post workout meal in before bed.

    PS: it is also great to work at night due to the fact that you can sleep a little after and that will help speed up recovery :)
    Hey,
    Thanks for this I didn't know. Good to know.
  • TriThreat
    TriThreat Posts: 313
    It is actually great to workout at night! Your natural testosterone levels are raised more at night (yes even you women), this means that you are more anabolic (able to build muscle easier) just make sure you get your post workout meal in before bed.

    PS: it is also great to work at night due to the fact that you can sleep a little after and that will help speed up recovery :)

    the thought of building muscle easier makes me happy :happy:
  • jillianlovesyarn
    jillianlovesyarn Posts: 44 Member
    I have a hard time falling asleep but I don't have any other choice with a baby in the house. I'm glad to read at least there's some benefit to it.
  • gramacanada
    gramacanada Posts: 557 Member
    the only thing I've ever heard against it is, that you might be too keyed up afterwards to sleep. :yawn:
  • rau_jenn
    rau_jenn Posts: 10
    I work out at night and I have never really had any problems!!! When I wake up it refreshes me to know I fell asleep on a good note so why not wake up on a good note as well!!! If it works for you then why not...at least your doing it!!
  • Heather_Rider
    Heather_Rider Posts: 1,159 Member
    Hey, need some help! I have a packed out day (work job #1 in the mornings, job #2 in the afternoons)
    I end up working out around 8 or 9 at night. Once school starts back, that will probably become 9 or 10 at night.

    Is working out late bad for you? Or does it make a real difference what time of the day you work out?

    i typically work out about 10-11 pm and it works out fab for me! I work out, have a protein shake, a shower, then play a few computer games, read a book, play on the kindle.. whatever to "wind down" while my hair drys, then hit the bed!

    I dont think its WHEN you work out, but the fact that you DO! Just make sure you have some protein after your workout, because protein and sleep are what rebuilds and stregnthens your muscles!

    good luck to you! <3
  • marie_cressman
    marie_cressman Posts: 980 Member
    I workout usually during the day, but sometimes I do it at night and never have an issue sleeping. I also used to be able to drink 2-3 cups of coffee immediately before bed and sleep just fine... LOL Just do what works for your body. If that's the only time you can do it, do it as long as your sleep schedule isn't suffering.
  • Heather_Rider
    Heather_Rider Posts: 1,159 Member
    in addition.. i dont go to sleep until 2-5am, so my workout is typically a "mid day" workout.. just not on regular time. lol
  • Huffdogg
    Huffdogg Posts: 1,934 Member
    I read on one fitness site today that there's a problem if you go to sleep without eating anything after exercising. Need to replenish; The same site also said that the ideal time to exercise is 2 hours after eating because of the insulin peak then.

    I usually eat a bigger lunch or dinner before a workout, and then I eat a smaller snack after working out, so hopefully I will be ok :)

    The above is pretty well total bollocks. The "feed window" concept for targeting post-workout nutrition is on very questionable ground. The digestive process is so slow and measured that it strains the bounds of credulity to think that a few hours one way or the other after your workout will make substantial difference. And no, your calorie burn will not be any different. Calorie burn is a factor of body mass vs effort spent. That's pretty much it.
  • TriThreat
    TriThreat Posts: 313

    i typically work out about 10-11 pm and it works out fab for me! I work out, have a protein shake, a shower, then play a few computer games, read a book, play on the kindle.. whatever to "wind down" while my hair drys, then hit the bed!

    I dont think its WHEN you work out, but the fact that you DO! Just make sure you have some protein after your workout, because protein and sleep are what rebuilds and stregnthens your muscles!

    good luck to you! <3

    Thanks! That really makes me feel better! and I'll be sure to get some protein in afterwards :)
  • TriThreat
    TriThreat Posts: 313


    The above is pretty well total bollocks. The "feed window" concept for targeting post-workout nutrition is on very questionable ground. The digestive process is so slow and measured that it strains the bounds of credulity to think that a few hours one way or the other after your workout will make substantial difference. And no, your calorie burn will not be any different. Calorie burn is a factor of body mass vs effort spent. That's pretty much it.

    gotcha. as long as it isn't going to make a difference on my calorie burns, then I won't worry.
  • cgrigz
    cgrigz Posts: 86 Member
    I used to run 6-8 miles a night (9 or 11pm) and I found it harder to fall asleep but once i Was, i slept very very well. and felt wide awake in the mornings ready to go for the day. But everyone's different
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