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What’s Best: Exercise in the Morning or After Work?

February 03, 2021

What is the best time of day to exercise?

Whether you’re a full-time fitness enthusiast or just starting an exercise routine, it’s something you should know.

Bruce Brazeal and Kristina Cipriani, fitness specialists at Hartford HealthCare’s Bone & Joint Institute, offer some insights into the benefits of exercising at different times of the day:

If you prefer to start your day with exercise with a run or walk or some form of strength training, expect fewer distractions. Getting an early start can also mean avoiding the hotter temperatures in the warmer months. Morning workouts also help boost your mood, increase alertness and support weight loss, appetite and blood glucose control.

If you prefer exercise in the evening, you might focus better. This can improve reaction times and help you achieve peak performance. Evening exercise also helps improve blood pressure, create optimal hormone levels, burn more calories and help the body become better prepared for sleep.

“There are certainly benefits to exercising in the morning and evening,” Brazeal said. “You will get some of the same benefits no matter what time you work out, but there are some differences in how this will affect each individual. For example, if your goal is to lose weight, then a morning exercise routine may be more beneficial for you, while working out in the evening can better help boost your muscle strength.”

No matter what time works best for you and your schedule, it’s important to remember why you are exercising. And to get the most from your workouts, it’s something you need to do consistently.

“The most important thing to remember is what time of day best fits the individual and their schedule,” he said.  “Once that is figured out then consistency over time will lend them all the benefits of each scenario.”

For more information how to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle, click here.