Morning vs afternoon/evening workouts... what's your fit?

Are you a morning or evening person? When is the best time for you to get your workout in? Is there actually a "better" time to exercise? Not really, but today we're going to to look at different benefits of of the early AM and the later PM.

Morning workout: best for consistency, fat-burning, energy and mood.

Let's break it down, shall we.

Consistency as there are fewer interruptions first thing in the morning. Also, there's less fatigue as you've had a good night's sleep.

Fat-burning for some. If you choose to exercise in a fasted state, your carbohydrate stores are low, so you may use more fat for fuel.

Mood booster: exercise increases endorphins and focus for the rest of the day.

Early AM exercise also promotes better sleep patterns, as you want to hit the hay earlier so you can then get up earlier! A great cycle!

A few more benefits here for you (and these may be the clincher, lol): it may reduce cravings throughout the day. Early AM workouts can help improve appetite control, blood sugar stability, stress relief, boost metabolism, align natural circadian rhythms.

As long as your consistent, the benefits will be too.

The biggest challenges you may face are the first few mornings getting used to it. Your body may also be stiff from sleep and require a longer warm up.

So, will afternoon or evening workouts offer the same?

Let's see.

These are best for strength, performance, stress relief.

Strength and power, as your body temperature, reflexes, and muscle function peak in late afternoon/evening.

Performance-- lifting heavier because youre already fueled and warm.

And after a day of work and activity, exercise is a great stress relief!

Strength and power rely on your central nervous system, and it's most awake later in the day. Therefore, coordination, reflexes and agility are a bit more alert!

You've eaten throughout the day, so you are fueled with protein for muscle recovery, carbs for glycogen replenishment, and you're hydrated. This usually means less fatigue, better muscle pumps, heavier lifts.

Also, throughout the day, you've moved around and walked, so even these non-exertive movements will help your exercises.

Lastly, hormones that support strength are at a good level. Cortisol has dropped, as well as testosterone, and this combination can favor strength performance

Depending on your goals, you may choose one over the other.

But is one time better than the other??

The best time is where you are most consistent!

Consistency, and nutrition matter way more than the time of day. You do you.

PSA'S

Did you know FitStop has a personal trainer? Glenda Costa. And she can help you with your goals in the gym! (For an extra fee.)

You can always feel free to reach out to me as well for any help in the gym.

Check out our app where everything is at your fingertips: Sside.ca/FitStopApp

Please wear clean sneakers in the gym.

And please put away equipment after use.

Thank you!!

Your coach,

Tracy