It Matters What Time You Exercise?

 

With your busy schedule, it may be difficult to fit exercise in at any time. Exercising at any time is better than not exercising but there is an optimal time to exercise. This is especially true when you are trying to lose weight.

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Exercise in the morning

Exercising in the morning, especially before breakfast is the best option for fat loss. In the morning your cortisol and growth hormone levels are higher. This puts your body in a fat burning mode. 

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If you exercise in the morning your appetite throughout the day will be lower so you’ll potentially eat less. It also helps to shift your body clock so you can get to sleep earlier. 

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Mornings can also be easier to stick with. There is less of a chance of something getting in the way, like later in the day. 

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In the summer, if you are exercising outside, early mornings are also perfect for beating the heat. If you are going to the gym, early mornings are often less busy. And the people there are more focused on working out than socializing.

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One precaution to take when exercising in the morning is to start out slow. Your muscles are likely tighter first thing in the morning and need a little extra time to warm up. 

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Afternoon exercise

If you are not a morning person, afternoon exercise does have some advantages. You will probably be able to work out harder and longer when your body is fueled by at least one meal. 

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Afternoon or lunch time exercise can also help you avoid an afternoon slump and can help you to get to bed earlier.

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In winter months, the afternoon may be the only time it’s warm enough to exercise outside, but in the summer you might want to avoid the heat of the afternoon sun and find an indoor place to exercise.

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Evening workouts

The evening might be a good time for more relaxing exercise like yoga or walking. These are good forms of exercise at the end of the day to help you wind down. 

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One advantage of exercising at night is that it's often a time of minimal activity. When you exercise you add activity to an otherwise slow time of the day. Exercising in the evening can also reduce levels of the hunger hormone ghrelin.

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What can you do

Exercise in the morning if you can, but choose a time that works for you. Or plan multiple bursts of activity throughout the day.

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How I can help

I can help you plan your nutrition based on your activity levels to maximize weight loss and energy levels so you can exercise when it works best for you.

If you want help planning your fitness and nutrition book a free call.

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