When is the best time of day to exercise?

Not everyone agrees on the best time of day to exercise. Some sources say we should jump out of bed and head straight to the gym. Others say we should work out after at least two meals. So, how can we actually determine what the optimal time is to get our workout done?

The answer lies in your lifestyle and your preferences.

If you have a job that requires you to work in the early mornings, you might find that you don’t have time to squeeze in a workout before you head off to your shift. Conversely, if you work late evenings, your gym sessions may be best suited to the morning time. Your workout routines may have to change depending on your weekly rotations for those who work varying shift patterns.

It is also important to take into account your preferences. Do you prefer to get straight into your workout as soon as you get out of bed? Does this wake you up and provide you with some much-needed energy for the day? Or do you prefer to exercise later in the day in order to release any stress that has built up?

Exercising at the time of day that feels best for you will make it easier to stay consistent with your workout routine. If you hate exercising in the mornings, yet you force yourself to do so, you’re probably not going to have a great workout. Similarly, it can be very demotivating if you are often too tired in the evening and therefore skip your workout.

It might take a bit of trial and error when it comes to figuring out what time of the day is going to work well for you. Try exercising in the mornings, afternoons and evenings, and see when you feel the most energetic and motivated. Remember, you don't always have to workout at the same time each day. For example, some you may prefer evenings during the work week, but like to exercise during quiet mornings on the weekend. Choosing the right time of day for you will make it easier and more enjoyable to stick to your exercise goals.

Ultimately, the best time of the day to exercise is the time that you can! It’s the time that works best for you, one that fits into your schedule and suits your preferences. This is going to be different for everyone, so make sure you find the time that you feel most energized and ready to meet your goals.