Sport

When is the best time to exercise? Find out what is the best time to work out

Is there an optimal time to train? Are we able to maximize our athletic performance by exercising in the morning or evening? Find out what the science says!

Published

2 years ago

December 29, 2021

Dominic Lyon

You need about 3 min. to read this post

Some people get up early in the morning, often at inhuman hours, to start their day actively, while others treat training as the icing on the cake and the perfect end to the day

These two camps are rarely able to understand each other, which is why the question of what time is best for activity arises.

In the morning or in the evening? Is there an optimal workout time?

With our busy schedules, it’s hard to find time to exercise, so it’s worth noting at the outset that any physical activity, regardless of the time, undoubtedly has a beneficial effect on our bodies.

Between juggling a career, social life and additional obligations we sometimes find it difficult to squeeze in a workout, even if we know that it is necessary for our health and well-being. When time is scarce and we have set specific fitness goals, it would be good to know if there is any optimal time of the day that would contribute to achieving them as soon as possible. So let’s try to get to that.

Morning vs. evening

Both morning and evening exercise have both health benefits and potential pitfalls, but for most people, the right time to exercise doesn’t depend on how many calories we burn in cardio or how much we lift in strength training – it’s mostly about how we feel when we exercise and how exercise fits into our daily schedule.

Morning exercise

Logistically, the benefits of a morning workout are many. First, by the time we actually start a new day, we are already done. This means that we go into new challenges with endorphins and a good feeling, knowing that by 9am we have achieved something that some people don’t achieve all day.

What’s more, we get the workout out of the way and don’t have to worry about it in the evening. This realization alone is a huge relief, giving us time and space to cook dinner, socialize with friends or relax.

Research also supports the idea of morning exercise. A study published in Medicine and Science in Sports suggested that people who were active in the early hours were less likely to be distracted by unhealthy foods and maintained healthier habits throughout the day than those who did not exercise in the morning

Additional benefits of going to the gym in the morning include increased metabolism, which means calories are burned throughout the day, when we eat them, rather than at night when we sleep.

Evening exercise

While it certainly seems that the morning is the ideal time to exercise, fitting in a workout in the afternoon or evening has its proven benefits.

Planning an evening workout can mean we don’t have to get out of bed early in the morning, but there’s more! One Trusted Source study found that the body’s capacity for peak performance is between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. During this time, body temperature rises, optimizing muscle function and strength, enzyme activity and endurance for performance.

The Verdict

So, which hour is best? While the science and research seem contradictory, one thing is clear: exercise is important, no matter what time of day it is. What really matters is finding the right time of day that fits our individual schedule and that we can make part of our routine. By maintaining a consistent workout regime at the same time each day, you can achieve the greatest workout gains.

Main photo: Chander R/unsplash.com

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Best ways to get sore muscles

Sourdough is a consequence of micro-damage to muscle fibers that can occur as a result of training. But what to do when pain impedes daily functioning? Read in our material!

Published

1 year ago

December 1, 2022

Dominic Lyon

Workouts are a great way to strengthen your body and maintain proper muscle tone. However, there are times when after a workout, especially an intense one, you feel discomfort, sometimes severe enough that you can’t lift yourself out of bed or climb the stairs. What to do then? How can you help yourself? Learn proven ways to treat post-workout muscle soreness!

Food

Relieve the symptoms of DOMS, or delayed post-workout muscle soreness, with foods rich in antioxidants, first of all watermelon, which contains citrulline. This non-protein amino acid helps reduce soreness and accelerate muscle recovery. Pineapples, ginger rhizome and cherry juice also have strong anti-inflammatory properties.

Curcumin and trance

The curcumin contained in the perennial herb has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. It also has strong antioxidant properties. Curcumin promotes faster muscle recovery after strenuous exercise. Analogous effects are shown by Omega-3 fats and cod liver oil.

Milk proteins

In 2017, a study was conducted that proved that milk-based protein nutrients remove pain caused by micro-damage to muscles and connective tissue, including from overly intense training. Protein nutrients in concentrate or isolate form contain 40 to as much as 90% milk proteins. Milk proteins consumed in the form of nutrients not only reduce DOMS symptoms, but also prevent them.

Warm baths and Epsom salt

You can also prevent the feeling of discomfort by providing warmth to your muscles immediately after your workout. You can apply a towel wetted in warm water to your body, use a thermos, or even better: indulge in a warming bath. If you opt for a bathtub, add a little Epsom salt to your bath, which relieves inflammation and pain caused by too much training. Such a bath will not only relieve pain, but also affect your mood.

Impact of cold

It turns out that cold compresses are equally helpful in removing post-workout muscle soreness. Cold compresses eliminate swelling and calm the nervous system. Use bags of ice or frozen products. However, avoid direct contact of ice with the skin. If your body is up to it, soak in a tub of cold water.

Massages

Self-massage is also good for soreness, reducing muscle pain and improving flexibility. All you need to do is put a roller under the sore area and perform longitudinal rolling. Or you can always use the services of a massage therapist to loosen up sore areas and get them working again. You will achieve the greatest effectiveness if you undergo a massage no later than two days after training.

Repeat workouts

Muscle soreness should not be a reason not to continue exercising. DOMS is a normal bodily response to stress that your body needs to adapt to. If you don’t abandon exercise and keep up the intensity, you can be sure that once the pains subside, they won’t return. However, if they are so severe that you can’t exercise as before, slow down a bit, reduce the load, or for 2-3 days do exercises aimed at developing other muscle parts.

Cooldown

After a workout, the body needs relaxation and relaxation exercises to even out breathing and calm the heart rate. Calm exercise after a workout will give your muscles an uninterrupted blood supply to remove lactic acid and prevent sourness. Instead of exercising, you can go for a walk or jog on a treadmill for 10 minutes at a brisk pace.

main photo: unsplash.com/Karsten Winegeart