When is the best time to Exercise?

Had this interesting email from 'Funk Roberts', search for him on You Tube, he has some great workout conditioning routines and ideas.  Anyway back to the post, 'so when is the best time to exercise?'  Well I've always enjoyed a morning workout, whether it be at the gym or at home, it sets me up for my day.  Although I had to have my workout the other day around 2 in the afternoon.  And to be honest, I did feel a little sluggish.  Doubts sometimes set in, especially if you have a number of other things you need to do, but nevertheless, I cracked on with it and at the end of a 45 minute HIIT and weights session felt good, with a sense of achievement :)

Below is an excerpt from Funk's email:


There have been different research studies on the best time of day to train, but there have been many different results. 
Here are some of the latest specific research findings:

 

·       Late Afternoon is Best for Exercise
 - Research shows that the optimal time to exercise is when our body temperature is at its highest, which, for most people is 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. (body temperature is at its lowest just before waking).

·       Strength is Greater in the Afternoon
 - Dr. Hill reported that strength output is 5% higher at around mid-day; anaerobic performance, such as sprinting, improves by 5% in the late afternoon.

·       Endurance is Greater in the Afternoon - 
Aerobic capacity (endurance) is approximately 4percent higher in the afternoon.

·       Injuries Are Less Likely in the Afternoon  -
Afternoon exercise is the best if you want to avoid injuries for many reasons. We are most alert; our body temperature is the highest so our muscles are warm and flexible; and our muscle strength is at its greatest. These three factors make it less likely that we will get injured.

·       Morning Exercisers Are More Consistent 
 - Even though afternoon exercise might be optimal from a physiological standpoint, research also shows that morning exercisers are more likely to stick to it those late-day athletes.

 
·       Evening Exercise and Sleep - 
Most research supports the idea that exercise can improve sleep quality. But does exercising too late in the evening keep you up? Studies have shown improvements in sleep from both morning and afternoon exercise, so it's not yet clear if evening exercise keeps you up. One study even showed that vigorous exercise half an hour before bedtime did not affect sleep




So over to you, what's your best time of the day to work out, and what do you do?  Please share we'd love to know :) 

I believe if you find something you enjoy doing, and be consistent at it, eat clean wholesome foods most of the time, spend time with friends and family, have a laugh and not take life too seriously.  We shouldn't go too far wrong :)

All the best, till next time
Amanda
www.mw-pt.co.uk