fbpx

EXERCISE BUT WHEN?

Some people swear that working out early in the morning is key to their wellbeing. Others love a run after work. Still, others think a lunchtime class is perfect. The truth of the matter is somewhat reassuring; there is apparently no reliable research that suggests that more calories are burned at any given time of the day. The factor that really matters is how you feel when you exercise. Some studies show that choosing a time of day to which you can commit to workout is the best way to establish a habit and consistency is crucial when it comes to seeing results. Apparently, it also matters what you’re trying to achieve. Most weightlifting records have been set in the evening, for example, suggesting that because flexibility and strength are at their peak then, that’s the best time to hold those kinds of competitions.

 

TIMES YOU CAN MAKE

Training in a broader sense to look and feel better in general might depend on your body’s own natural rhythms. But most of us don’t have the freedom to exercise whenever we feel like it, due to work or family commitments. So, the commitment you have to make is to yourself: when can you most easily get to the gym, to the park or to an exercise class? When is the best time during your week to schedule exercise? The answer is when you can commit to yourself at a regular time you can actually make.

 

YOU KNOW BEST

Some believe that exercising first thing in the morning is the best way to commit, simply because it’s the first thing you can do before other duties get in the way. One issue with this is that a late night, a late dinner or exertion the night before can make getting to that morning exercise a lot harder. Not getting enough sleep can have a big impact on whether you leap out of bed in the morning or not. Similarly, night-time exercise can make you feel too awake to sleep at your normal time. Lunchtime workouts can feel rushed and pressured, especially if this is the only time you get to eat.

The key is to find a time you can actually commit to, 75 per cent of the time. Of course, things will get in the way, but always find a means to return to your exercise schedule even a shorter version of what you usually do is better than quitting completely and then trying to re-establish the habit. By committing, you’ll achieve the consistency you need to see results.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *