No Pain, No Gain? How to Choose the Best Time to Exercise Without Suffering
I’m going to tell you right now that it’s morning. Sorry Night Owls, unfortunately, you’re not getting the most optimal workouts because of the time you attend the gym. Now I’m not trying to discourage anyone from going to the gym, but you get the best results from working out first thing in the mornings. Here’s why:
You burn more fat. When you wake up, your body is in a fasted state, meaning it has used up all the glucose from your last meal and is now tapping into your fat stores for energy. This means that when you exercise in the morning, you burn more fat than if you exercise later in the day when you have eaten.
You boost your metabolism. Exercising in the morning increases your metabolic rate for the rest of the day, meaning you burn more calories even when resting. This is because exercise stimulates the production of hormones and enzymes that increase your metabolism and keep it elevated for hours after your workout.
You improve your mood. Exercising in the morning releases endorphins, the feel-good hormones that make you happy and reduce stress. This can help you start your day with a positive attitude and cope better with any challenges. Plus, you get to enjoy the sunrise and the fresh air, which can also boost your mood.
You stick to your routine. Exercising in the morning eliminates the excuses that may prevent you from working out later in the day, such as being too tired, too busy, or too lazy. By getting your workout done first thing in the morning, you make it a priority and a habit that is easier to maintain. You also free up your evenings for other activities or relaxation.
You avoid the crowds. Exercising in the morning means that you have less competition for the equipment and space at the gym or the park. You can work out at your own pace and without interruptions or distractions. You also avoid the traffic and parking hassles that may occur during peak hours.
You sleep better. Exercising in the morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm, which is your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. By exposing yourself to natural light and physical activity in the morning, you signal your body to be alert and energized during the day and to wind down and relax at night. This can improve your quality and quantity of sleep, which can benefit your health and well-being.
FITT Principle
When planning an effective workout, take frequency, intensity, time and type into consideration, according to the FITT principle.
Regarding the time component of the FITT principle, remember humans are cyclical beings. Our circadian rhythm helps regulate hormones that affect bodily functions like our sleep/wake cycle, energy levels, hunger, body temperature, breathing capacity and energy stores.
So, there you have it, six reasons why exercising in the morning is better than exercising at night. Of course, this doesn't mean that you can't work out at night if that's what suits you best. The most important thing is that you work out consistently and enjoy it. But if you want to get the most out of your exercise without suffering, give mornings a try. You might be surprised by how much better you feel and look.
