21 Jan What is the best time of day to workout?
Question: What is the best time of day to workout?
First off, this a surprisingly common question.
Surprising, because it doesn’t have an answer. Well, at least not a scientific answer.
I’ll explain.
When people ask about the best time of day to workout, they usually are asking about physiology. Their question could be re-worded as follows:
“Will I get better results if I perform my workout in the morning or in the evening?”
This question doesn’t have an answer.
Because the truth is (despite what you may have read in an Instagram meme) the time of day you choose to perform your workout will have zero impact on your strength gains or fat loss.
But now I’ll throw ya a curveball.
I always recommend working out in the morning if you can.
Here’s why.
Reason #1: It gets done.
For context, my niche with Fit2Go Personal Training is busy working professionals who need a fitness routine that is not only effective, but more importantly, practical.
I work with real people, who live in the real world, with real lives. So, for argument’s sake, let’s assume you are a real person. If I design the world’s best fitness program, but it’s impractical for your daily schedule/life — you won’t adhere to it and we’ll fail in our work together.
I want you to succeed. I want you to unlock the happiest, healthiest, most productive, and best looking version of yourself.
It’s literally my job.
That’s why I’m such a strong proponent of working out first thing in the morning. As a coach, I want you to get it done before anything else can interfere. The timing has nothing to do with physiology, and everything to do with reliability.
Magical Formula:
Reliability = Results
Reason #2: It influences your entire day.
The endorphins and positive mood you’ll experience after your morning workout make it a powerful start to your day. You’ll feel better physically, and you’ll feel better mentally. Aside from the knowledge that you started off on the right foot each day, you’re releasing a steady stream of endorphins into your brain. You will objectively be happier.
What happens when we’re consistently happier? Aside from becoming more likeable, more productive, and enhancing performance in almost every area of our lives, we no longer feel the urge for the meaningless instant gratification that comes from junk food!
Unhealthy habits — habits that we just can’t seem to break — don’t happen randomly. We use them to fill a void. This isn’t anything new. You already know that you’re more likely to reach for something sugary when you’ve had a bad day. Your mind craves that instant hit of dopamine. So by proactively deciding how your days will begin (regardless of what may be waiting in your inbox), you’re also lowering your susceptibility to cravings and other unhealthy habits, like chewing out your assistant because you don’t like her socks.
BOTTOM LINE:
I strongly recommend working out first thing in the morning if you can.
I’m talking before you start your day. Make your morning workout routine as automatic as your morning tooth-brushing.
That said — do what works for you. If you have a good groove at 7pm and you’re getting your workout in every night — then don’t you dare change a thing! 🙂
Stay busy. Stay fit.
-Coach Dani
P.S. Want to start your own personal training program, but hate the gym? Our nationally certified trainers come to YOU!
Schedule your call with me here so we can discuss your fitness goals and make a plan — together.
