As a personal trainer in San Mateo, I often get asked about the best time of day to work out. It’s a valid question, as everyone’s schedule, energy levels, and preferences are different. In this blog post, I’ll explore the research on the best time of day to work out and provide evidence-based insights on how to find the best time for your workouts.
The Best Time of Day to Work Out: The Research
According to a review published in the journal Sports Medicine, the best time of day to work out is the time that works best for you. The review looked at several studies on the relationship between the time of day and exercise performance and found that the time of day did not have a significant impact on exercise performance. Another study published in the Journal of Sleep Research found that the time of day did not have a significant impact on the quality of sleep, even in individuals who were physically active in the evening.
However, other research suggests that the time of day can impact exercise performance and recovery. For example, a study published in the journal Chronobiology International found that muscle strength and endurance were higher in the afternoon and evening compared to the morning.
A study published in the journal PLOS ONE found that the body’s core temperature is higher in the afternoon and evening, which can lead to a better workout. A study published in the journal Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise found that reaction time and cognitive performance were better in the morning, which could make morning workouts more beneficial for activities that require a lot of focus and coordination, such as sports or high-intensity interval training.
Finding the Best Time for Your Workouts
So, what does all this research tell us? It tells us that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of the best time of day to work out. The best time of day to work out is the time that works best for you.
Here are some tips to help you find the best time for your workouts:
-
- Experiment with different times of day: Try working out at different times of day to see which time works best for you. Pay attention to your energy levels, focus, and motivation throughout the day.
-
- Consider your schedule: Take into account your daily schedule when choosing a workout time. If you’re a morning person, then morning workouts may be best for you. If you’re an evening person, then evening workouts may be better.
-
- Pay attention to your body’s natural rhythm: Our bodies have a natural rhythm, known as the circadian rhythm, which can impact our energy levels and performance. Pay attention to your body’s natural rhythm and choose a workout time that aligns with it.
-
- Be consistent: Once you find a workout time that works for you, try to stick to it as much as possible. Consistency is key when it comes to exercise.
In conclusion, the best time of day to work out is the time that works best for you. The research suggests that the time of day does not have a significant impact on exercise performance, but it can impact muscle strength, endurance, and cognitive performance. Experiment with different times of day, consider your schedule, pay attention to your body’s natural rhythm, and be consistent.
As a personal trainer in San Mateo, I understand that everyone’s schedule, energy levels, and preferences are different. I can help you find the best time for your workouts and create a personalized workout plan that fits your schedule and goals. If you need help getting started, please don’t hesitate to contact me at Holly Roser Fitness. Together, we can work towards finding the perfect time for your workouts that will help you reach your fitness goals.
