Is it better to work out in the morning or afternoon?

Some say that working out in the morning is a good way to get your blood flowing in the morning and that it will give you more energy for the rest of your day. Some people say it runs them down. I think it depends at least partially on your own daily rhythms.

I am not a morning person, so I tend to miss too many workouts if I aim to do them before work. I just can’t get motivated in the morning, especially when my bed is soooo comfy. Instead, I go every day after work while I wait for the gal who carpools with me to finish work. I just started going regularly again at the beginning of this year, and I’m already at the point where I miss it on days I don’t go. (Yay! One battle won!)

Personally, I’d say that the best time is a time that you can regularly commit to. Consistency is more important than time of day.

This article backs up what works for me personally. For years, I felt guilty because I could not stick to the directives advocating morning exercise. My perfect time personally is 4–6:30 P.M. I am fine, and have found no difference as long as I don’t try to exercise right before bed, which tends to mess up my sleep.

I think it would depend on your schedule, preferences, and type of workout.
During cross country season I lifted weights in the afternoon and ran in the mornings. This seemed to work for me: running gets my blood flowing a lot more than lifting weights and it helped keep me awake during the first part of the day.

Morning, bcause you will feel fresh throughout the day.
You will also be less tired in the mornings.
You are less likely to be busy in the mornings, hence you would be more regular to exercise

@discover – From your answer, I’m guessing you’re a morning person? :o)

@amanderveen…i am not at all a morning person. i tend to sleep late in the night. I tried for few days to exercise in the evenings, but that did not work. So, now i try to go for work out only in the mornings. Only rarely i go in the evenings, i.e. if is missed the exercise in the morning

@discover – I had to ask because I am absolutely a night owl and my mornings are always busy during the week because I have to hussle to get ready for work.

@amanderveen: surely workout in the evenings will be best for you

@discover – Well, afternoon anyhow. I tried the morning thing, but it was just too hard to keep myself motivated. Kudos to all those who can rally themselves to rise for a good muscle stretching first thing in the morning. :o)

@amanderveen: what you say is true…