An old-age question that predates your mom’s dance aerobic days — we’re still wondering whether it’s better to work out in the morning or the evening. We all have a friend of a cousin’s sister-in-law who swears by the early morning hours of 4 and 5 a.m. to get their sweat on, while others say evening workouts are best for decompressing from a long day.
So when is the right time to work out? We decided to reach out to Revolution Buffalo and spoke to Colleen Kirk, one of the cycling studio’s co-founders, to get her expert opinions.
Is it better to work out in the morning or the evening?
“At Revolution, we’re big fans of working out whenever it makes sense for you,” says Colleen. “Got kids, and the lunch hour, while they are at daycare/school, is the only break you get? Do it at lunch! NOT a morning person? Don’t sweat it – make the evenings your time. And of course, if you love the burst of energy and positive start to the day that morning exercise delivers – then work out with the early birds!”
From the expert’s mouth to our ears, the best time to work out really does depend on the person. Do what makes sense for you! With social media and the influx of workout tips, it’s easy to get caught up in what works for someone else instead of figuring out what works best for you. We’re all busy, even in a pandemic, and making the time that you have available the best time to work out for you is key.
Why is this best to pick what’s right for you?
“Working out when it works for you as opposed to feeling any pressure to do it early or late is likely to help you stay committed to your workout. The less barriers to getting your butt to the studio or gym means the more likely it will happen – and that you’ll enjoy it!”
Take Colleen’s advice and reflect on when is the best time for you to work out, then map that out for the next weeks. See how it goes, and because nothing is set in stone, make adjustments when needed. Making too many big life changes at once can negatively impact our mood and motivation as a whole, leading to most people quitting their routines instead of modifying them. Remove those barriers and set yourself up for success, you won’t regret it!
What’s your advice for people wanting to maximize their workouts and take advantage of the best time?
“If you’re just getting started, give workouts at all times of day a try. Once you discover the format and time you like, look for more of that on the schedule at your favorite studio or gym. And if you don’t see it on their schedule, ask! We’re always listening to customers to find out what works best for them and what we can offer to compliment the needs of their lifestyle.”
Whether you’re new to working out or trying to rebuild good habits, try exercising at different times of the day to see what best fits into your schedule and life. In the world of COVID, things can change in the blink of an eye, which means this advice is even better to follow as we don’t always know what tomorrow may bring. Be easy on yourself, and like Colleen says, if you’re finding it hard to find workout classes or gym time that fits your schedule, ask.
