Does it matter?
 

Does it matter what time of the day that you exercise? I have tried different times of the day, but wondered if it really mattered? I know sometimes the morning walking gives me a little more energy for the day.

I'm sure there's a lot of scientific theories out there about how exercising at different times of day affects metabolism and such, but personally I like working out in the evenings. Unfortunately I get home from work too late to fit in a workout, dinner, shower, and some downtime, but if I could I would. I think it helps me de-stress from the day, especially when taking a nice hot shower after the workout and then getting ready for bed. I also find it easier to simply enjoy exercising and be in the moment during a workout when I do it in the evening.

If I'm exercising in the morning I'm much more preoccupied about how much time I have left before I have to start getting ready, what tasks I have ahead of me during the day, etc., which can totally distract me from having a good workout.

What types of exercise do you do/are you considering doing? Good luck with whatever you choose! :)

Well, right now just walking. I am up to 2 miles or 3 a day, 5 times a week. I just started back in mid Feb. Some days I do 2 on the treadmill in the am, then in the evening 1 outside. I haven't added any other exercises yet, but I probably will.

Mornings seem to work better for me. My Pump class is in the evening twice a week and in the monrning once a week. The morning class is almost always my most productive. Same with jogging. I always plan to do it early morning, and even though I hate my alarm going off, I always get through the sessions with success. If I ever move them to the aft/evening they seem to be harder. But, maybe that's psychological because I think it's better in the morning, who knows?!

honestly i don't think it really matters as long as you do it. but personally i do better with it if i have at least a couple meals in me beforehand.

This makes a lot of sense to me, and I can't understand for this exact reason why I do better in the mornings, sometimes without eating at all.....

i find that it winds up making me tired and hungrier the rest of the day.

I find i'm too lazy to give it my all later in the day. And if I do do it in the morning, I'm less hungry/less likely to make bad food choices and more virtuous for the day.

I think we're proving that there is no one right answer for sure!

I'm a night time exerciser. In the mornings, I have zero energy, so I'd fail at exercising. Plus, about 3-4 hours after and intense workout, I am ready for bed so I can't exercise in the morning.

I don't think it matters as long as you are doing it and giving it your all.

I'm an afternoon exerciser. I have fibro, so I am stiff in the morning, but too tired in the evening, so around 1-3 is best for me. I think what is important is to exercise when it is best for YOU.

I exercise at night. I think it is more important that you just do it than worrying about the timing. However, I have heard the earlier you can exercise the better because it revs up your metabolism and helps burn calories of whatever you eat after exercise faster.

What kind of person are you? When do you function best? I think that it really depends on the individual as to when exercise is most effective for them. Some people love waking up early and exercising, while others would prefer to do it at night.

I love exercising in the morning. Unfortunately my schedule doesn't always allow that, so I do exercise in the evenings during the week.

Honestly the best time is "when you can fit it in and still have energy to do it." We're busy creatures with hectic schedules.

I think whenever you can do it, do it. Calories are calories, I can't imagine you would burn more at a certain time of day unless you know you are more awake in the a.m. and can run faster, workout harder. I

workout at night. I need my zzz's in the a.m. and I take time to wake up so night is preferable. It's hard b/c sometimes I'm tired so I lose motivation but for the most part evenings are a good time for me.

I exercise in the evenings most of the week because I dislike mornings. :D

I'm the sort of person who loves their sleep & because of that I'm totally not willing to get up early to work-out!

You need to do what's best for you though, and work around your schedule & when you have the energy to work out. :)