The best hours of the day to do exercises

Is there a “best” time of the day to exercise? Can you get more benefits from doing your regular exercise routine on a specific time than you would if you do it in another? Should you change your exercise schedule to a more exercise-conducive time of the day?

Unfortunately, there has been no definitive scientific study that has been done and that has determined the best hours of the day to do exercises.  There is currently no generally accepted evidence that can show that doing exercises at a certain time of the day would be better than doing the same exercises at a different hour.  Furthermore, there has been no conclusive research completed that says more calories are burned with more efficiency if the exercise is done in the morning rather than in the afternoon or vice versa.

There is however, the body clock or the circadian rhythm of the body.  This circadian rhythm determines the 24 hour cycle that your body goes through.  It determines whether you are an early morning person or a late night person.  Your circadian rhythm is endogenous to your body, which means that it is a “built in” characteristic of your body, thus even though there are ways for you to turn yourself into a night owl even though your circadian rhythm says that you are an early bird,  it is best to follow the natural likings of your body.  Thus, once you determine that you are an early bird type of person, it would be more natural for you to exercise in the morning. If you are the night owl type, then doing your exercise routine would probably work better for you.

Aside from the circadian rhythm, other factors can also affect the best time for you to get into your exercise habit.  Work, family, and other commitments can easily take over your time during the day.  If you are a very busy person and this is the main reason that is keeping you from getting the exercise that you need then morning exercises would be your best option.  Doing exercises in the morning will allow you to focus on your exercises before any of your other responsibilities would require your attention.  Furthermore, getting your exercise before your busy day would actually help you get energized for the long day ahead.  The proper exercise will make your body more attuned to the grind that the day brings.  It will also get you into the right mood to handle all of the pressures and the stress that you will be facing.

The bottom line however, is that you get to exercise.  Whether you do it in the morning, in the evening, or even during your lunch break, the important thing is that you do not skip your exercise.  The benefits of exercise are numerous and they will affect you no matter what time of day you do it.  So choose the time of day when you can exercise regularly and when you can actually enjoy your exercise.