One question that our personal trainers at Elite Training San Diego get asked frequently is whether it’s better to work out in the morning or at night. Many clients already understand the importance of things like getting regular physical exercise, setting realistic but challenging goals, and finding a routine that focuses on the areas in which they want to improve. But still, this question remains: morning workouts or night workouts? Which one is better?
The debate about this is fueled by a lot of misinformation. Some trainers will tell you that if you’re not working out in the morning, you’re never going to attain your fitness goals, whereas others will say that there is no difference at all between a morning and a nighttime workout routine. Where’s the truth in all this? What should you be doing to make the most of your workouts?
The fact is, there isn’t one right answer for every single person. People need to figure out what works best for them, while also taking into consideration the research that shows certain benefits and drawbacks to when you choose to exercise.
The Benefits of a Nighttime Workout
1. Improved Stamina
Nighttime exercisers are able to exercise for a longer period of time, as research has shown that stamina for physical activity increases at night.
2. Higher Cortisol Levels
They also get the benefit of higher cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone that encourages the body to retain fat, except that during exercise, it becomes very efficient at burning fat. So, fat-burning exercise is often better in the evening.
3. Improved Sleep
Evening exercise has been found to have a very soothing effect on the body, similar to a warm bath before bed. This can improve your sleep.
4. Increased Flexibility
Flexibility improves throughout the day as the muscles warm up, so an evening routine can capitalize on that flexibility.
5. Free Time
Many people find that nighttime is the only time they really can exercise with regularity, due to professional and family responsibilities in the early mornings. Any workout is better than not working out at all, so it’s better to work out at night than skip exercising altogether.
The Benefits of a Morning Workout
1. Improved Metabolism
Morning workouts increase your metabolism for the rest of the day, so they do help with weight loss goals.
2. Better Fat Burning
Working out before breakfast allows your body to start burning fat, rather than carbohydrates from food you have eaten.
3. Lower Blood Pressure
Morning exercise can help reduce your blood pressure.
4. Sounder Sleep
Most exercise helps people get better sleep, regardless of when it happens. The way that morning exercisers benefit at bedtime is that the reduction in blood pressure helps you sleep more soundly.
5. More Consistency
It is easier to maintain consistency with a morning routine, likely because there is less time to change plans throughout the day. Those who work out in the morning tend to have a better track record of regular, consistent exercise than folks who save their workouts for night.
Clearly, there are benefits to both types of workouts, and a lot of it comes down to what you’re trying to do. Someone who wants to develop a new, strong habit may find that morning exercise is a must because they keep rescheduling things in the evening and end up missing their workouts.
On the other hand, someone who really wants to build flexibility and strength may find that an evening routine is just what they need to push themselves. There are a lot of factors to consider, but the most important one is this: what is going to get you moving? Are morning or evening sessions going to be the thing that keeps you in the gym, working hard and to build strength and endurance?
If you’re ready to start the next step of your exercise routine, contact us at Elite Training San Diego for your free workout! Our hardworking and enthusiastic personal trainers can help you with your fitness goals, including body building, weight loss, and strength training. Visit our facility, talk with our trainers, and find out how we can help you meet your goals.