Morning vs. Evening Workouts

Whether it’s best to work out early in the morning or later in the evening is an age-old question for anyone who maintains a regular exercise routine. While there are a few scientific reasons that might motivate you to choose one time of the day over the other, it essentially comes down to your schedule and your personal preferences.  

With that in mind, explore the pros and cons of working out in the morning and the evening, and learn how you can determine which one is better for your unique lifestyle.

Pros of working out in the morning

While there are advantages and disadvantages to both morning and evening workouts, exercising earlier in the day may have a few more perks. For many people, morning workouts are easier to maintain because it's harder to come up with an excuse not to do it. It can be tempting to skip an evening workout because you're tired from working late or you have familial, professional, or social obligations.  

Exercise in general can help improve your mental health through the release of endorphins, and when you do it first thing in the morning, it can set you up for success the rest of the day. Not only can it give your overall mood a boost, but it can also improve your alertness, clarity, and focus, which can make you more productive in other aspects of your life.  

Cons of working out in the morning

But morning workouts aren't for everyone. Many people suffer from stiff muscles, experience poor flexibility, and don't possess an abundance of energy when they first wake up, which can make it difficult to find the motivation to exercise at the desired intensity. Some other disadvantages of working out in the morning include:   

• Outdoor elements: If you're someone who exercises outdoors, you're more likely to deal with cold weather and darkness in the morning, which can be dangerous and uncomfortable.  
• Time constraints: Chances are your morning time is limited because you have to go to work, get the kids to school, or otherwise begin your other daily activities. Even if you're feeling like running that extra mile, you may not have time.  
• Longer warm-up times: Stiff muscles, low body temperature, and a slower heart rate mean that when your body wakes up, it may need more time to warm up, especially for intense exercise.  

Pros of working out in the evening

While many people favor morning workouts, evening workouts aren't without their own merits. One of the most important is that you may just find that you're not a morning person, and if you're constantly hitting the snooze button when it's time to get up and work out, it takes away from the time you'd spend on exercise.  

Fitting an evening workout into your schedule may also be a little less stressful and may even help you relieve stress after a hectic day. You can typically exercise for as long as you want without worrying about having to be somewhere else, and your body is warmed up from the day’s activities. This can add up to more endurance and possibly a stronger performance overall. You might even find that working out in the evening can help you replace less healthy habits, like sitting around and watching television or snacking on junk food.  

Cons of working out in the evening  

Evening workouts are ideal for many people, but they do have their share of disadvantages. For example, if a friend calls you up and asks if you want to go out for dinner, you might be tempted to skip exercise in favor of a fun night out on the town. Other cons of evening workouts might include:  

• Sleep disruption: While morning workouts can regulate your circadian rhythm, high-intensity workouts close to bedtime may actually shift your circadian rhythm and disrupt your sleep cycle.  
• Warmer temperatures: If you live in a hotter climate, you may find that it's too warm to exercise outdoors in the late afternoon or evening.  
• Reduced motivation and energy: If you had a bad day at work, don't have someone to watch the kids, or really need to get started on cooking dinner, your energy levels or motivation may wane, causing you to skip your workout.  

Which one is right for you?

No matter when you decide to work out, remember that consistency is important and the best way to maximize your results. Not only does exercising at the same time each day help you turn it into a healthy habit, but it also may train your body to react at the right time, so you might find that it’s easier to wake up early for your morning workout or you have more energy for evening workouts after a few weeks of consistent effort.  

Ultimately, it all comes down to your lifestyle and personal preferences. If you have to be at work at 6:30 a.m., you may not have time to exercise in the morning. If your local gym offers your favorite aerobics class at 7 p.m., you might choose evening workouts so you can participate. Other factors you might consider include weather and temperature preferences, how you feel at certain times of the day, your personal fitness goals, and whether you want to work out alone or with other people.   

Please note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and does not contain or constitute medical advice or a medical opinion. Always consult with your qualified and licensed medical professional prior to beginning or modifying any diet or exercise program.