When it comes to losing weight, you’ll want to do everything right – especially if you’re very adamant about your fitness goals. You’d want to know the calories of every food item you’re taking, you’d also want to know if brown foods are healthier than white ones.
There may be a hundred questions on your mind and you’re already too particular. So, imagine your surprise if someone tells you that morning workouts are better than evening workouts.
Well, to be frank, most of the things we hear about fitness and nutrition are stemmed from half-knowledge and misconceptions. Hence, they cannot be always true. But as fitness enthusiasts, you’d want to be right in your fitness and wellness journey. So, are morning workouts actually beneficial?
The eternal debate between morning and evening workouts has puzzled fitness enthusiasts for years. Both time slots offer distinct advantages, and the optimal choice ultimately depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and fitness goals. Let’s delve into the pros and cons of each in this blog.
Morning Workouts: Jumpstart your day
Metabolism boost:
Studies reveal that morning workouts can actually kickstart your metabolism. The hypothesis behind this is that when you work out on an empty stomach, you burn calories from the fat storage. However, when you work out in the evening, you’re using the calories you eat throughout the day. More research is however needed.
Morning workouts may burn some extra calories but working out on an empty stomach also affects your energy levels during the workout. You’re more likely to be lethargic and won’t perform your best. Nevertheless, this varies according to people as well. Some people may feel more energetic even during the daytime.
Increased energy:
Morning workouts keep you fuelled for the rest of the day. You’re not sleepy, you’re energetic instead. However, some people experience otherwise especially if they perform a vigorous workout on an empty stomach. If you’re doing a vigorous workout, it is suggested you eat a light snack to increase your performance and reduce daytime exhaustion.
Improved discipline:
Establishing a morning workout routine can foster discipline and consistency. You wake up on time and finish your chores on time. There’s no rush, just peace of mind. Moreover, getting done with your workout first thing in the morning prevents skipping it in the evening because of some unprecedented event.
Less crowded gyms:
Early morning workouts often mean fewer people at the gym, which means fewer distractions.
While morning workouts offer numerous benefits, they might not be feasible for everyone due to early morning commitments or personal preferences.
Evening Workouts:
Stress relief:
Evening workouts can help alleviate stress and tension accumulated throughout the day. Evening workouts may feel like a task especially if you work a 9 to 5 job, but just so you know, even tiredness can sometimes be mental. Moreover, workouts can also help with tiredness.
Performance enhancement:
Body temperature and muscle flexibility tend to peak later in the day, potentially leading to improved performance. Moreover, the diet you take during the day also provides you that extra boost of energy.
Social benefits:
Evening workouts can be a social activity, providing opportunities to connect with friends or workout partners.
Closing thoughts: Finding your optimal workout time
Morning workouts may help you stay consistent with your workout and may also burn some extra fat, but not considerable fat. Ultimately, the best time to exercise is when you can consistently stick to a routine. Factors such as sleep patterns, work schedules, and personal preferences play a crucial role in determining the ideal workout time. If morning workouts work for you, well and good. If evening workouts work for you, then there’s no debate. But please note, that exercising too close to bedtime might interfere with sleep patterns, so it’s essential to allow sufficient time for your body to wind down before sleep.
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