Morning vs. Afternoon Workouts

Its 6 AM and your alarm clock is ringing that ever so familiar but also despised ring that it’s time to get up. If you’re anything like me every precious minute of sleep counts, especially when you have a full day of classes and work ahead. So what do you do when it comes to getting a workout in? Do you wake up yet another hour early to squeeze in a morning jog, or should we save our workout until the afternoon?

While there is no clear answer as to which is actually better, there has been significant research to support that both times of the day hold benefits to our health.

Morning Workouts

In the morning our bodies are at a relatively low core temperature and we are not as mentally or physically awake. This makes sense - you’re still waking up!

Due to our body temperatures being significantly lower in the morning, it is suggested that only low aerobic exercises are preformed in the morning such as brisk walking or jogging, yoga, or an easy swim.

Morning workouts do hold significant benefits though, working out in the morning makes our bodies more awake throughout the day and increases our energy levels. People who work out in the morning are also more likely to be consistent in their work outs and stick with a regular exercise regimen.

Afternoon Workouts

In the afternoon and evening, two things happen to our bodies:

1.) Body temperature peaks

2.) Protein synthesis peaks (the rate at which your muscles can repair and recover)
 

Because of these two things it is suggested that any form of moderate to heavy exercise is performed in the afternoon or late evening, no more than two hours before sleep. It is suggested that the optimal time for working out is between 4p.m. to 5p.m. This prevents injury because our bodies are “warmed up” and flexible, as well as at their greatest strength and endurance levels.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line is that any workout is a good workout. Everyone’s body is different and some people’s bodies “warm up” faster than other. What’s most important though is that you choose a time of day that is fitting to your goals, lifestyle and schedule so that you are more inclined to stick with it. And for all you non morning people, working out actually helps improve sleep, so getting a workout in during the afternoon will benefit those Z’s in the long run.