Working Out in the Morning Vs. Night
One of the age-old questions you face when starting a new fitness routine is whether it’s better to work out in the morning or at night. Determining the ideal time for your daily sweat sesh is critical if you want to create a sustainable routine you can stick to, but it’s not always easy to know what’s going to work best.
There are a number of factors to consider, including your work schedule, family life, and even your body’s internal clock. So, take a look at the information below to learn how you can weigh the differences of each option and find the right choice for your lifestyle.
First, Learn to Listen to Your Internal Clock
Did you know everyone has an internal clock that helps guide their body throughout the day? This is known as your circadian rhythm, and it’s often what helps determine if you’re an early riser or a habitual night owl.
Sometimes, your circadian rhythm might be shifted in one direction or the other, which can cause you to feel more energized at specific times (i.e., in the morning or at night).
This is what causes you to have different preferences for when you feel best working out. The circadian rhythm also plays an important role in regulating other processes that can help your body get ready for exercise, such as your hormone levels and heart rate.
Learning how to listen to your own internal clock can help you determine which time of day is best for your workout.
For example, if you tend to be a night owl and have low energy in the morning, you probably want to work out in the afternoon or evening when your energy levels start to rise.
If you’re someone who wakes easily and feels energized first thing in the morning, then a KILLER workout might be the perfect start to your day.
Now, if you’re thinking that your internal clock can support both morning and night workouts, then don’t sweat it! Here’s a quick breakdown of some benefits for both options to help you make a final decision.
Benefits of Early Morning Workouts
Knocking out your daily workout first thing in the morning not only lets you check it off your list right away, but also helps you feel more alert and awake for the rest of the day.
According to the Mayo Clinic, one of the main benefits you can get from regular exercise is a boost in energy. This happens because as you work out, nutrients and oxygen are carried throughout your body, which in turn helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.
Early morning workouts can also set you up to burn more calories throughout the day, thanks to something called EPOC — excess post-exercise oxygen consumption. EPOC is the amount of oxygen your body needs to return to a normal resting state, and this process requires energy, which is why you’re likely to continue shedding calories even after your workout is over.
Plus, when you finish your sweat sesh early in the morning, you feel accomplished at the start of your day, which can help you feel more geared up for a successful day.
Not to mention, we all know life can get in the way sometimes — if you get your workout done in the morning, there’s no chance of something coming up that will keep you from getting to the studio!
Benefits of Evening/Night Workouts
One of the best ways to blow off some steam after a stressful day is to head straight to your local 9Round studio for a KILLER workout. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says exercise has some “direct stress-busting benefits,” including a boost in endorphins and your overall mood.
Stress management is critical for your general wellbeing, and almost any type of exercise can be used to relieve stress.
Although, we admit we’re a bit biased toward 9Round, because, let’s face it — there’s nothing more fun than literally punching and kicking away your stress for the week! š
Another interesting thing about evening or nighttime workouts is that you can experience improved muscle building capabilities.
A study that was published in the Journal of Sports Science & Medicine even says that you reach peak muscle performance in the afternoon and early evening.
This happens because of the natural fluctuations in your hormone levels and core body temperature that takes place every single day.
Based on their research, the authors of this study concluded that, “using specific time-of-day training seems to be an effective method in improving physical performance at a particular point of time.”
So, what does this mean for you?
No matter what you decide, the most important thing you can do is to listen to your body and plan your workout schedule accordingly.
You should consider your energy levels throughout the day and your other obligations, so you can pick a workout time when you’re most likely to follow through with your fitness plans.
Carefully balancing your workouts throughout the week according to what feels right for your body is the best way to set yourself up for success in the long run, so you can work toward your goals with total confidence.
9Round lets you pick the perfect time of day for your KILLER workout with no class times and a nine-round circuit system that lets you jump into your workout within three minutes.
Come try out our kickboxing-themed fitness program today with a FREE workout at your local studio.
