What Time of Day Should you be Working Out?

When we think about hard-core fitness devotees, we often think of them waking up at 5 in the morning to get to the gym before work. Working out is often seen as a morning activity which makes some sense considering that extra endorphins and heightened metabolism from working out can up your productivity and weight loss for the rest of the day.  However, not being a morning person doesn’t mean you won’t get anything out of working out.

According to research done in 2012, the best time to work out actually depends on a few factors. They found that, although working out in the morning did have its benefits, the body was actually more prepared to exercise in the late afternoon. The afternoon is when our body temperature reaches its peak due to our natural circadian rhythm. Because of this, we can work out harder in the afternoon without feeling like we’re expending extra effort. Flexibility is also naturally greater in the afternoon which can help your muscles and joints get through your routine with better ease.

On the other hand, you don’t have to give up your morning workouts if that is what you’re used to. The research shows that our bodies adjust to the schedules we adopt. This means that if you get up and work out every morning, your body eventually changes its processes to respond best to exercise at that time. If you’re a constant morning exerciser, your body will perform just as well in the morning as someone else’s body performs in the late afternoon.

If you’re just picking up exercise and you don’t already have a routine, it may be best to conform to your body’s natural habits and exercise in the afternoon rather than in the morning. But whether you’re a morning, afternoon, or late-night type, make sure you are getting the most out of your work out by staying hydrating and incorporating Gym & Tonic into your routine. Gym & Tonic is a protein-rich collagen supplement that helps your body make it through your exercise while also helping your joints and muscles get the most out of the activity. It can even help you recover faster so that you’re ready to get back to the gym the next day, regardless of the time.

Sources:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/what-is-the-best-time-of-day-to-exercise-its-not-when-you-think/2017/06/16/2020c3ba-51cf-11e7-be25-3a519335381c_story.html?noredirect=on&utm_term=.0dc639e5e47b

https://journals.lww.com/nsca-jscr/Fulltext/2012/07000/The_Effect_of_Training_at_a_Specific_Time_of_Day__.33.aspx