There are a lot of factors to think about when organizing your fitness routine as a woman. Do you prefer working out in the comfort of your own home or going to the gym? What kind of exercise are you planning to perform, cardio or weights? Will you be working out on your own or with a trainer? How about shorts or yoga pants?
When you work out is also an important factor. Your pulse rate, endurance, joint health, blood sugar, stamina, and muscular agility all fluctuate throughout the day depending on the time of day. But does it matter what time of day you exercise? Let’s take a look at what each time of the day has to offer when it comes to working out.
Early in the Morning
Some women benefit greatly from morning workouts, while others struggle to keep up with the routine. Some of us are natural morning people, while others of us would rather sleep in until noon. There are benefits and drawbacks to working out right after you wake up in the morning. These are a few examples:
Pros
- Because fat is a more readily available fuel source when you have not taken breakfast, exercising can improve metabolism leading to weight loss.
- If you work out first thing in the morning before heading to the office or the classroom, you can be assured that you can take it easy for the rest of the day.
Cons
- A lot of people skip their morning workouts because they have to hustle for an appointment. This could cause you to skip important workouts, such as your stretches.
- For many people, the prospect of waking up early on a chilly morning is enough to discourage them from attempting to do so.
Lunchtime
Many of us waste our lunch hours mindlessly waiting and doing absolutely nothing. Working out during lunch is a great way to get some exercise and make productive use of hours that might otherwise be neglected.
Pros
- You should have consumed at least one full meal by lunchtime, giving you sufficient energy for your exercise routine.
- At around noon, your body temperature will have reached its peak, your muscles will be somewhat more flexible, and your bones will be slightly looser and more prepared for movement.
Cons
- You’ll have to rush through your noon workout, bathe, and take post-workout food. Time constraints may make something challenging to accomplish in one hour.
Late at Night
Although it’s not ideal, some women find that they have no choice but to work out after they’ve already eaten dinner and come home – even despite the busy day at work and traffic coming back home – especially in Lagos. Here are some of the late-night workout pros and cons.
Pros
- This is typically when gyms are the least crowded after the lunch rush has ended.
- After what seems like a day’s worth of eating, your body has as much fuel as it can handle.
- Most of us like our downtime during these hours.
Cons
- There will be no other chance to work out till the next day if you miss this.
- Intense exercise right before bedtime has been linked to disrupted rest.
- In addition to the difficulty you may experience falling asleep after exercise, the desire to have a meal afterward may also be a factor.
Bottom Line
There are pros and cons to exercising at different times of day, but it’s essential to remember that it’s beneficial regardless of when you do it. While it’s true that getting your workout in first thing in the morning or late in the afternoon may have slight benefits, it’s perhaps more crucial to choose what works for you.
