How to Find the Best Time to Workout for Your Unique Needs

Figuring out the best time to workout alone can be challenging. That’s why we’re here to help!

Since working out is such a personal activity, finding the best time and sticking to a routine does depend on your unique needs. Keep reading to learn when the best time to workout is for you.

Working Out in the Morning

One of the best ways to burn fat is by working out first thing in the morning before eating anything. This is because when you exercise first thing, your metabolism is better equipped to burn fat that’s been stored, rather than burning the food you’ve already eaten that day. Some people even find my working out in the morning makes them less hungry during the day, which helps prevent you from adding extra weight from eating those extra calories. 

Even if you’re not typically a morning person, exercising right when you wake up can become part of your daily habit. Over time, you’ll find you get tired earlier at night to prepare your body to be on high alert right when you wake up.

Another benefit of exercising in the morning is it helps to improve your mental health and productivity throughout the day. If you’ve been more stressed lately, consider adding a morning exercise to your routine.

Afternoon Workouts

Working out in the afternoon can be just as good if you can’t exercise right after waking up, especially if your goal is to gain muscle more than lose weight. When you work out in the middle of the day, your body can use the fuel and energy you’ve given it that day, equipping you for better gains.

If you find you get tired or in a slump in the later afternoon, a workout can give you the energy you need to finish the day strong. When you exercise between 1 and 4 PM, it can shift your body into the same clock as performing an early morning workout can do. Even briskly walking during that time can help boost your energy levels.

Evening Workouts Are Still Worth It

Typically, most people can’t fit a workout in until after they’re done with work for the day, and that’s okay!

Working out later in the evening can mean your body is more alert and more willing to focus on the workout. This is great for people who want to do high-intensity interval training. 

When you work out later in the day, it can also curb your appetite for late-night snacks, which can aid in weight loss if that’s your goal.

So, What’s the Best Time to Workout for Me?

Figuring out what’s going to work best for you takes some consideration, and there are a few factors you need to consider.

What Is My Workout Goal?

When you think about exercising, what are you trying to achieve? If you want to lose weight, you should opt for an early morning workout. When gaining muscle is your goal, use your lunch break to work out with a protein-packed lunch.

If you’re looking to lose weight, and gain muscle, try a nighttime workout routine!

When Am I Free?

Just as important as figuring out your goals is figuring out a workout schedule that will work for you. If you don’t have any extra time to carve out for exercise, then set your alarm an hour earlier and start working out.

If you work an early job and can’t make it to the gym until later, then that’s when you need to go! Many private training gyms, like Peak Physique, aren’t as busy as big gyms are in the evening. This means you can work out without a ton of people around, even if you can’t make it until the end of the day.

If you work from home don’t want to be out during rush hour, make time for a mid-day workout. Take half of your lunchtime and get some exercise in.

I Don’t Have the Time!

We hear you; some people truly don’t have time to work out but want results. You can do a few things to sneak in a workout without adding more time to your day.

Get a Treadmill and Stand up Desk

If you work in an office setting and don’t have time to make it to the gym, there are things you can do while on your computer all day. There are treadmills out there you can get that work under a stand-up desk. 

If you don’t, or can’t, get the treadmill, even a standing desk will help. Standing for three hours each week day has the same health benefits as running ten marathons a year.

Get an Exercise Ball

Anytime you’re going to sit down, use an exercise ball instead. This helps you work your muscles without even trying. Plus, they’re a lot of fun to bounce on!

Power Walk Stairs

No more walking up and down the stairs normally. Any time you’re going to walk on the stairs, make it an exercise. Take two at a time, and pick up your pace for mini workouts all day long.

Get Professional Personal Training Help

Now that you know the best time to workout for you and your schedule, it’s time for you to hit the gym! One of the best ways to make a schedule and stick to it is by working with professionals.

At Peak Physique, we love helping people like you figure out an exercise routine that works for you. If you’re ready to get started, contact us today! We can’t wait to help you reach your goals.