LET'S TALK ABOUT TIMING
I get a lot of questions from you #Ralphies about when we should be working out for best results - in the morning, afternoon, or before bed? It turns out that there are certain benefits to exercising at different times of the day!
MORNING
Studies conducted with a.m.-exercisers have shown that individuals who practice healthy movement in their morning routines are more consistent with their fitness program compared to those who schedule workouts later in the day. Maybe there have been times when you planned to exercise after work or school, though some sluggishness or distraction kicked in and a workout got abandoned for a more mild or "fun" activity. Getting physical after first waking up will ensure that you have the whole day to do and think about other things!
Making that extra time to care for your body before the day begins can promote lasting feelings of wellness, energy, and productivity. Exercise boosts our endorphins, resulting in improved mental clarity for 4 to 10 hours post-workout. AND you continue to burn calories throughout the afternoon due to elevated metabolic efficiency! You'll feel good about crushing some fitness at the beginning of the day, so you may be more likely to follow through with conscious food choices later on - that exercise buzz can last even longer!*
MIDDAY
So you're not exactly a morning person: every time you set that alarm with an intention to wake up early and work out, the snooze button gets pressed until that time has passed. Well that's just fine! Getting a full night's sleep is important for total-body health, though night owls still have plenty of options to follow through with a fitness routine.
Engaging in physical activity at some point in the afternoon, whether during a lunch break or otherwise, can reduce your chance of illness and injury - sitting for extended periods of time has been linked to increased likelihood of morbidities such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Also, you can ultimately save your money and waistline by spending time with fitness. You can't head to a cafe for food if you're working out! While eating consistently throughout the day is critical for maintaining a trim figure, purchasing pre-made food does not usually result in good nutrition. Prepping meals at home will guarantee a balanced diet without spending extra cash!
Sometimes we need extra power or patience to get through a challenging task, and stressful situations that arise during the day can be assisted by a good sweat session. Exercising increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain, creating new synapses (connections) which improve cognitive performance and problem-solving capabilities. Get moving with that midday brain & mood boost!*
AFTER DARK
There are plenty of us out there who feel most energetic later on in the day - if you're one of those people, you'll have more effective and efficient workouts at nighttime! Muscle function and strength is still going strong into the evening, so getting your exercises in before slumber is still a great option!
If you had a stressful or busy day, then creating time for physical activity at night can help relieve tension and allow you to rest easier when your head hits the pillow. If you have a mild or easygoing day, that after hours workout can help extend the cycle of a positive and productive mindset. Breaking a sweat will release energy from the afternoon and make you feel like you've accomplished one more thing before falling asleep.
You also won't be as likely to indulge in a few drinks or go out for a nutrient-deficient meal at the end of the day if you're busy getting fit, so you'll wake up feeling refreshed and ready for whatever comes your way!*
SO WHEN IS THE BEST TIME?
As with all matters related to health and fitness, every body is different and has varying needs. The most important thing to remember is that as long as you manage to exercise at some point in the day, ANY time of day, you're on the right track! And if you can manage to fit in physical activity more than once a day - go for it!! Some of us never know what our daily, weekly, monthly schedule will have in store, so get moving when the moment feels right and hold yourself accountable for dedicating time to your body. I promise you'll feel good about following through with your workout intentions!
If you need some extra help with formulating a fitness plan and keeping track of your progress, then I have the perfect system for you! My 30 Day Get Fit program provides you with a daily workout calendar containing different playlists each day that are designed to get you faster results. The latest feature allows you to tick off workouts once they’re completed, and you’ll be eligible for exclusive prizes and giveaways after you’ve finished the month! A full day of nutritious recipes on Sundays includes grocery lists which make eating healthy both simple and delicious. Download the new BURN by Rebecca Louise app for FREE and start your 7 day trial to get access to these features and more - begin your transformation today!
