Exercising Early vs Late, What’s Better?
As we approach the New Year, many people will set new fitness goals and start a new exercise routine. This leads to the question of whether it's better to work out in the morning or afternoon. There is a lot of conflicting information and opinions on this topic.
When it comes to exercise, it's important to consider your lifestyle and determine the most convenient time for you to work out. While factors like body temperature and motivation may vary, prioritizing convenience is key.
Fitness World, a local gym with 16 locations in the greater Vancouver B.C. area, recently published a blog article discussing the pros and cons of morning workouts versus afternoon workouts.
This article is here to help you figure out the best time for you to exercise based on what you need. It's important to find a workout routine that fits into your schedule and helps you reach your fitness goals. By doing this, you can get the results you want. We'll also give you more resources to learn more about this topic, so you can find the right routine for you.
Benefits of Working Out Later in The Day
Exercising in the afternoon and evening offers numerous benefits for both physical and mental health. As the day progresses, your body temperature rises and your muscles become more flexible, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing your overall performance. Yet, the advantages of working out later in the day extend beyond the physical benefits. Now, let's delve deeper into some of the key advantages of incorporating afternoon and evening workouts into your routine.
Strength & Endurance
Exercising in the afternoon is beneficial for improving strength and endurance. As the day goes on, our body functions reach their highest levels, leading to increased levels of strength and endurance. This makes afternoon and evening workouts perfect for individuals who are looking to challenge themselves and achieve their best performance.
Optimized Body Temperature
Exercising in the late afternoon offers several benefits. Not only does it enhance strength and endurance, but it also helps optimize body temperature and lower the risk of injury. During this time of day, our body temperature naturally increases, which is advantageous for improving muscle flexibility and blood flow. Consequently, exercising in the late afternoon can help reduce stiffness and the likelihood of getting injured, particularly when compared to exercising earlier in the day.
Mental Health Benefits
There are several advantages to adding late afternoon exercise to your daily routine. Firstly, exercising during this time takes advantage of your body's optimal temperature, which can improve your strength and endurance. It's also a great way to relieve stress and boost your energy levels. Recent studies even suggest that afternoon exercise may have long-term benefits for your overall longevity. So why not prioritize your health and well-being by making the most of your afternoons?
Afternoon Workouts and What to Consider
We understand that not everyone enjoys working out in the afternoon. However, for those who excel during this time or have flexible work schedules, afternoon workouts can make a significant difference! It's important to consider a few lifestyle factors that can affect your overall performance and enjoyment when exercising in the afternoon.
Time Management
Incorporating afternoon workouts into your daily routine can be made simpler by prioritizing effective time management. To make this process easier, it is important to plan your day and find a suitable time slot that fits into your schedule. Begin by identifying a specific window of time in the afternoon that works well for you, taking into account your energy levels and other commitments. Consider the length of your workout, the time it takes to travel to and from the exercise location, and any necessary preparations, such as eating a healthy meal.
Proper Workout Nutrition
Having the right nutrition before and after your workout is extremely important. It helps increase your energy levels and improves your performance during afternoon workouts. To get the best results, try to eat a well-balanced meal or snack about 2-3 hours before your scheduled exercise session. This gives your body enough time to digest the food and gives you a steady and long-lasting source of energy.
Staying Motivated
Finding the motivation to exercise can be difficult, especially after a long and exhausting day. However, having a well-planned and thought-out exercise routine can greatly assist in this endeavor. The crucial aspect is to select exercises that genuinely please you and act as a significant source of motivation. Reflect on activities that pique your interest and align with your personal preferences. Whether it's attending a dance class that fills you with joy, going for a run in a scenic location to rejuvenate yourself, engaging in strength training to feel empowered, or practicing calming yoga to achieve inner peace, find what truly resonates with you.
Planning Your Fitness Routine
If you are someone who works during the day or tends to have more energy at night, you may want to consider establishing a fitness routine for the nighttime. While morning workouts are more popular, there is no reason to dismiss the idea of exercising at night. Creating a routine that fits your schedule is quite simple. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
Creating a consistent schedule is crucial for accomplishing your fitness goals. To establish a routine and ensure you stay on track, it's important to select specific nights for your workouts.
When it comes to evening workouts, it's a good idea to choose exercises that are lower in intensity. This will help you relax and wind down before going to bed, allowing you to have a more restful night's sleep. Here are some low-intensity exercises you can try out.
Adding stretching or yoga to your nighttime routine can provide incredible benefits for your body's relaxation. Not only does it help you mentally unwind, but it also alleviates any physical tension or tightness you may be experiencing.
It's best to avoid doing intense workouts too close to bedtime because they can leave you feeling energized, which can make it difficult to fall asleep. Also, try to limit your consumption of stimulants like caffeine or sugary snacks in the evening to ensure that you get a good night's sleep.
Create a nighttime fitness routine that suits your needs and helps you maximize your energy during the night by following these simple tips.
Advantages of Exercise Early Morning
Morning workouts offer numerous benefits beyond just physical fitness. From a technical perspective, exercising early in the day is a great way to increase metabolism, start burning calories, and create the perfect conditions for fat loss.
Engaging in a morning workout routine also helps develop discipline and consistency, turning it into a daily ritual. Additionally, these workouts have a peacefulness that adds an extra layer of tranquility to the experience. This calm environment allows for moments of self-reflection and goal-setting, as the world is still waking up.
Now, let's delve into some more advantages of including morning workouts in your routine.
Boosted Metabolism
Morning workouts are an excellent way to engage various muscle groups and boost your metabolism. Whether you prefer cardio, strength training, or a combination of both, these workouts assist your body in utilizing energy more effectively and burning calories more efficiently.
Time for Recovery
Morning workouts are an excellent way to kickstart your day with a surge of energy. They not only provide an immediate boost but also contribute to post-workout recovery. By exercising in the morning, you allow your body ample time throughout the day to heal and carry out vital functions, such as muscle repair and growth.
Discipline Through a Constant Routine
Creating a consistent morning workout routine may seem challenging at first, but it offers many advantages and helps develop healthy habits. Over time, this routine becomes a solid foundation that enhances not only your physical well-being but also your dedication to leading a healthier life, both mentally and emotionally.
Increased Productivity and a Brighter Mood
Exercising in the morning offers numerous benefits for your body and mind. One advantage is the release of endorphins, which are natural mood enhancers that can uplift your spirits and enhance your overall well-being. Moreover, the positive effects of morning exercise can extend throughout the day, enhancing your mood and productivity.
Create a Morning Workout Plan
Exercising in the morning is a fantastic way to kickstart your day with a successful and energizing workout. However, it's important to plan to maximize your routine. There are several key factors to consider to ensure a productive morning workout.
Preparation
To optimize your morning workout and avoid feeling tired, it is crucial to plan. By getting ready the night before, you can boost your motivation and guarantee that you have all the necessary items. If your workout entails using any equipment, ensure that it is easily accessible. This will enable a smooth transition from your comfortable bed to an invigorating exercise session.
Proper Nutrition and Hydration
Proper nutrition and hydration are essential for enhancing your physical performance during morning workouts. They also aid in post-exercise recovery, maximizing the benefits of your routine. By practicing mindful eating and drinking, you can achieve a more energized and productive workout, contributing to overall well-being throughout the day.
Warm-up Effectively
When it comes to morning workouts, it is important to keep in mind that your body temperature is generally lower after a night of rest. This means that warming up becomes even more crucial to prevent injuries and get the most out of your exercise session. To achieve these goals, it is essential to have a thorough warm-up routine.
Set Realistic goals
To make your workouts more enjoyable and meaningful, it is essential to set realistic goals. These goals may involve reaching a certain number of repetitions, increasing your running distance, or becoming proficient in a new exercise. By establishing goals, you will be able to maintain your motivation throughout your fitness journey. Don't forget to modify your goals as you make advancements.
To optimize your morning workouts and maximize the benefits for your health and well-being, there are several factors you should consider.
Starting Your Fitness Journey
If you're ready to embark on your fitness journey, a local gym is the perfect place to start. They can assist you in creating a personalized plan and offer the necessary support and motivation to help you stay dedicated. In the Downtown Vancouver, B.C. area, Fitness World is an excellent choice.
Conveniently located near Vancouver's lively Davie Village, at the corner of Howe & Davie, their Downtown fitness club boasts a multi-floor layout that caters to all your workout needs. Downstairs, you'll find a fully equipped weight room and turf area, while upstairs offers a cardio section, functional training space, and fitness class studio. Rest assured, their team of multilingual professionals is here to guide you toward a workout routine that suits you perfectly!
Fitness World is a local fitness center that offers a wide range of amenities to provide you with a comprehensive workout experience. Whether you prefer energetic fitness classes or working out independently, they have something for everyone. You can choose from options like their dedicated studio, cardio theater, weight room, or functional training spaces.
After your workout, you can relax and recover using their HydroMassage Chairs or Normatec Compression Boots. They also offer a variety of Fitness Classes, such as yoga, kickboxing, Pilates, Bollywood, and Zumba. Fitness World takes pride in fostering an inclusive community centered around fitness, making it the favorite gym for residents in Downtown Vancouver British Columbia.
