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When Is the Best Time to Work Out? Here’s What Science Says

We know which workout we should do based on our zodiac sign, Enneagram type and physical limitations. But does it matter when we do said workouts? In general, not really—as long as you’re working out, you’re reaping the benefits of working out. Read on for the pros and cons of getting your sweat on at different times of the day.

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Pros of Exercising in the Morning

1. You Might Be More Likely to Stick with It

Let’s be honest: By the end of the day, we’re pooped. Even if we do feel like going to the gym, life often gets in the way. That’s why folks who sweat earlier in the day might find it easier to stick to a routine. Barbara Brehm, a professor of exercise and sport studies at Smith College, has a theory about why a.m. exercisers are so successful. “It’s because they get it out of the way first thing,” she says in her book, Psychology of Health and Fitness. “They haven’t been exposed to a whole day of draining activity and stress, which can leave you feeling pretty depleted by the end of the day.”

2. You Might Be More Energetic Throughout the Day

Sure, it might take some time to get accustomed to an earlier alarm. But if Elle Woods taught us anything, it's that exercise gives you endorphins, and endorphins make you happy.

3. You Might Lose Weight Faster

That is, if you’re exercising in the morning before having any food. It’s called fasted cardio, and we checked in with Denise Pate, doctor of internal medicine at Medical Offices of Manhattan, to learn more about it. She told us that the benefits of working out on an empty stomach “include increased lipolysis, fat oxidation and decreased insulin levels. Increased lipolysis is when the body breaks down fatty cells to use them as energy, and fat oxidation is when the body burns the energy from fat cells when the body's glycogen (the body's storage form of energy) is low.” That's a science-y way of saying that working out sans sustenance could translate to more weight loss.

Pros of Exercising at Night

1. You Might Get More Out of Your Workout

This one comes down to having more time. In the morning, you’re more rushed to get in and out and ready for work.  But at night, most people are able to put in some extra time. On top of that, gyms are usually less crowded late night.

2. You Might Sleep Better

Contrary to popular belief, getting your heart pumping too close to bedtime probably won’t mess with your sleep. In fact, a 2014 study published in the journal Sleep Medicine found that performing vigorous exercise 90 minutes before bedtime was associated with falling asleep faster, fewer wake-ups in the middle of the night and improved mood.

3. You Might Be Less Prone to Injury 

Your internal temperature is higher at the end of the day than in the morning, making you more physically prepared to exercise. Similarly, muscular function and strength peak in the evening, meaning you might even be able to get a few more reps in.

4. You Might Be Less Stressed

After a particularly frustrating day, few things are as satisfying as a good workout. You don’t have to be a scientist to understand that a 45-minute boxing class is sometimes all you need to get over that jerk who took your parking spot.

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