There is a lot of debate out there on when the best time to workout is. People will confidently tell you that first thing in the morning is best, while others will just as surely advise you to do it last thing in the day. There is really no solid answer to the question but it does hinge quite a lot on your end goal but even more on your general make up as an individual.

Best time to attack your body fat…

If your goal is getting rid of flab then you will most likely want to be doing minimum 30 minute sessions of cardio at least 3 times a week. The argument is that if you do cardio at any other time of the day you will burn off the carbohydrates that you have eaten so far that day. If you exercise first thing in the morning you haven’t got any carbs to burn so your body uses the next quickest source of energy - body fat.

Best time to grow muscles/get stronger

If you want to become stronger and more muscly the majority of experts will advise that the best time to work out is when you are most alert and energetic. This will mean you will be able to perform at your best and achieve more than if you had just woken up, or you were starting to feel fatigued. It will also mean your workouts will be more enjoyable and you will feel a greater sense of achievement.  For most employees this would be 5pm (straight after work).

The optimal time to workout will be different for each person

No one is exactly the same and our bodies are all made up slightly differently. Some people I know can be alert within a few minutes of waking up while others can take several hours before they start functioning like a human. Those late risers will usually be wide awake come 11:00pm at night.

My advice is to choose the time that you enjoy working out.  Believe me, the advantages to when you workout are hardly worth worrying about (if in fact there is an optimum time).  The important thing is to simply find the time at least 3 times a week.

Tags: , theory

Filed under: Routines, Weight Loss