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Morning vs Evening: When is the best time to exercise?

Some of us are early birds, hitting the weights before the sun’s even risen, while some of us prefer a lie in and a late night sesh. But, when is the best time to exercise? We quizzed fitness expert and content creator Chelsea Andersen to find out whether you should be getting sweaty first thing or in the evening.

“So, is it better to exercise in the morning or the evening? Truth is, despite there being a lot of research into this, there’s really no right answer!

There’s research to support both morning and evening workouts but it all really depends on the individual, their lifestyle and what they enjoy. Here’s my pros of both!

MORNING WORKOUTS

GET IT OUT OF THE WAY FIRST THING

Have you ever gone through your day with the intention of going to the gym in the evening, then throughout your day, things have cropped up? It may be working late, doing the washing or anything that leaves you with little or no time to get yourself to the gym. Well getting it out the way first thing in the morning means there is no excuse!

YOU’LL BE MORE ENERGISED THROUGHOUT THE DAY

Due to the effects of morning exercise and the rush of endorphins released during your workout, you’ll find you’re more energised throughout the day if you work out first thing. Also, did you know, a change in body temperature helps you wake up? Bonus!

THE GYM WILL BE QUIETER

Gyms are often a lot quieter in the mornings, which is great for people who struggle with confidence and for those who like to use a lot of equipment - there’s nothing worse than having to wait for a machine/bench!

IT’LL IMPROVE YOUR MINDSET

A morning workout can set a healthy mindset for the rest of the day. Do you ever find that when you workout, you make healthier and more beneficial food choices? Well, a workout in the morning can reinforce this mindset!

EVENING WORKOUTS

MORE ENERGISED DURING THE WORKOUT

While a morning workout may help you feel energised throughout the day, you’re more likely to feel energised during your workout if you leave your session till later on. You’ll have eaten throughout the day, so this’ll give you more energy during your workout.

IT’LL HELP YOU DE-STRESS

Exercise helps reduce stress and releases “feel-good endorphins”, so sweating it out after a stressful day in the office can help you unwind. If you tend to jump in the biscuit cupboard after a stressful day, this could be a good alternative!

YOU’LL WARM UP QUICKER

Although a dynamic warm up is important, regardless of whether you train in the morning or evening, you don’t necessarily need to warm up for as long due to the fact you have been moving throughout the day.

YOU CAN HAVE A MORE RELAXED MORNING

Not only can you get some extra sleep, but you won’t have to worry about packing a change of clothes, grabbing a post-workout breakfast, quickly showering at the gym and rushing to work on time - which all can be quite stressful first thing in the morning.

In summary, the best workout is the one you actually do, whether that’s in the morning or evening! So, the questions you need to ask yourself are:

1) “When am I able to train?”
2) “When do I prefer to train?”

After all, the more you enjoy something, the more likely you are to stick to it and the secret to results is consistency.”

In need of more exercise advice? Well, these 6 time-saving hacks might help you speed up your workouts without compromising your progress! There's this and loads more fitness tips over on our blog.