There’s no denying that exercise is good for your body and mind. It helps you to maintain a healthy weight, improves your cardiovascular health, and can even lift your mood.

But, when it comes to working out, is there a better time of day to exercise? Should you hit the gym first thing in the morning or wait until after work? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Morning exercise

Many people prefer to exercise in the morning for a variety of reasons. Firstly, it can help to kick-start your metabolism and give you an energy boost for the day ahead.

Additionally, working out in the morning means you have the rest of the day to focus on other things. And, let’s be real, some people just enjoy the feeling of accomplishment that comes with having completed a workout before most people have even had their morning coffee.

However, there are some drawbacks to morning exercise. Starting your day with a workout can be tough, particularly if you’re not a morning person. Additionally, if you have to be at work early, it might not be feasible to fit in a long workout.

And, if you do decide to exercise in the morning, be sure to fuel your body with a healthy breakfast before you start. Working out on an empty stomach can leave you feeling sluggish and weak.

Evening exercise

For those who struggle to wake up early or who have busy mornings, evening exercise may be a more realistic option. Working out in the evening can be a great way to de-stress after a long day and help your body to relax before bedtime.

Additionally, if you’re trying to build muscle or increase endurance, research suggests that your body is better equipped to handle intense workouts in the evening.

On the other hand, exercising too close to bedtime can disrupt your sleep and leave you feeling restless.

And, if you leave your workout until the end of the day, there’s always a chance that life will get in the way and you’ll end up skipping it altogether.

So, which is better?

Ultimately, the best time of day to exercise is the time that works best for you. There are benefits and drawbacks to both morning and evening workouts, so it’s important to find a routine that you can stick to.

If you’re a morning person who enjoys starting their day with a workout, go for it! But, if you find yourself constantly hitting snooze and struggling to get out of bed, an evening workout may be a better option for you.

Regardless of when you choose to exercise, make sure that you’re doing it for the right reasons.

Don’t force yourself to work out in the morning just because you think it’s what you should be doing – listen to your body and find a routine that makes you happy.

The bottom line

Whether you prefer morning or evening exercise, the most important thing is that you’re staying active and taking care of your body. Find a routine that works for you and stick to it – your body (and mind) will thank you for it.