If you’re concerned about having a healthy lifestyle then you know that regular exercise is an important component of making you look and feel great. Exercise helps to rev up your metabolism and this is the most important factor in helping you lose fat and maintain your weight loss. But is one time of day better then another for exercising?

The answer is not as straight forward as you might think. Current research implies that slightly more fat is burned in the morning when a person exercises directly following the overnight fast. However, the low morning body temperature means that morning time has a naturally lower energy and blood flow resulting in a less intense workout.

Also a concern for exercising directly after an overnight fast is that your blood sugar levels are going to be extremely low and this can lead to light headedness. You may want to experiment with this to find out what is right for your body. Personally I love exercising in the morning as it provides a long lasting adrenaline rush throughout the day. But, I do like to have something quick to eat that is easily digestible right before I get ready to head out the door. Usually it consists of some oatmeal with bananas and a glass of skim milk to provide my muscles with some amino acids.

With all this said, let’s examine the pros and cons of exercise at the four main times of the day: morning, noon, afternoon and night.

Morning

Pros:

• Fewer distractions and schedule interruptions

• Raises your metabolism to burn more calories throughout the day

• Gives a physical and mental energy boost

• Easier to form exercise habit through morning exercise

• Cooler temperatures in the summer

Cons:

• Body temperature is at its lowest meaning less energy and blood flow

• Cold muscles are more prone to injury

Noon

Pros:

• Body temperatures are higher

• Can help regulate the amount of food you eat at lunch

• Improves blood flow to the brain for the afternoon

• Can make it a habit to walk at lunch time with an exercise buddy from work

Cons:

• Time constraints might not allow a full workout

• Lung function is worst at noon

• Distractions are readily available

Afternoon

Pros:

• Best time to exercise for endurance and for building muscle

• Body temperature is at best level

• Lung function is best

• Perceived exertion is lowest

• Stress relief after busy day

Cons:

• Distractions may keep you from exercising

• Evening

Pros:

• Muscles are warm and flexible

• Perceived exertion is low

• Can help regulate the amount of food you feel like for dinner

Cons:

• Need to wind down after exercising to fall asleep

• Distractions may keep you from exercising

So really when is the best time to exercise? The best time is the time that you are most likely to workout consistently. Exercise when and where you most enjoy it and you’ll be more likely to stick with your routine.

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