What is the right time to work out?

Mornings or evenings?

Morning workouts are better than evening?

Well anytime is a good time honestly. So the first priority must be to ensure you fit your workout time based on your lifestyle so you do not skip it.

However, did you know that several types of research have in fact established that working out in the mornings is more beneficial than any other time? This has to do with our circadian cycle.

Let’s explore…

One study shows that people who worked out before noon, i.e. in the morning, lose more weight than people who worked out after 3 pm.

• Working out in the morning means you have the least amount of distractions to attend to. When you decide to exercise in the morning, you tend to schedule your day accommodating that task and keep all the obstacles aside for that time. No distractions, so no excuses.

• Physical exercises are a natural stress buster with many known mental health benefits. Therefore, working out in the morning before you start your day’s work can help you begin your day on a positive note. Exercise leads to the release of neurotransmitters like endorphins that promote mental clarity with a sense of accomplishment.

• Additionally, physical exercises has a direct impact on your central nervous system by boosting energy and lowering fatigue. The stress hormone, Cortisol, which helps to keep you awake and alert, increases in the morning which can easily align with your morning workout timing. This ensures sustained metabolism throughout the day and thus more energy levels in your body.

• Some elimentary studies also show that traning empty stomach in the morning comes with a boost in testosterone, helping you build muscle mass faster.

• Training outdoors in the morning is also associated with getting direct sunlight, this helps reset your circadian rhythm. Thus, no more zombi-ing your way to the fourth cup of coffee mid- day. A healthy circadian cycle also helps with better sleep and lower stress levels.

• The sense of accomplishment and alertness that you earn with morning exercises can also help you to make healthier food choices. It sets a healthier mindset and tone for the day making you mindful of your eating choices throughout the day.

What does science say?

According to one study, exercising only in the morning, before breakfast, increases 24-hour fat oxidation process. In the study, when 10 men exercised in the morning, afternoon, and evening over divided sessions, the 24-hour fat burn was highest when they exercised in the morning before breakfast.

Now most importantly, if you are not a morning person, dont worry about training in the morning! Just make sure oyu train at some point in the day. But if you want to go towards a healthier lifestyle, maybe switching up your workout time might be a good next step to take.

Trust this helps,

Roshni Sanghvi.