When is the best time of day to exercise?

1. 84

   oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years ago

   When is the best time of day to exercise?
   
   I am curious what others think is the best time of day to exercise?  I am realizing I want to take my health more seriously, and that time is flying by.  Especially when I have a full day of work ahead, and often talk myself out of anything toward the end of the day, I end up not making time to exercise. 
   
   So I am putting it out there, what is the best time of day for your to exercise, especially if you have a very busy life, or day?  Perhaps first thing in the morning, then it is done?  I am tired of finding excuses, but the truth is, it is far too easy!

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2. 60

   Cgenaeaposted 10 years ago

   I find it much easier to just move around a lot. And hold in my tummy as long as I can, as often as I can whenever I think of it.
   I am one of the few people I know, who has remained about the same since high school 25 years ago. Laundry is my biggest workout. Basket on the floor; bend, fold walk over to that pile, yes, all over. For extra, deliver each piece to drawer or closet as you fold. Cleaning is a good one too. Bowl in the living room, take it to the kitchen,  come back for the next piece; deliver.  Gotta carry spices to the counter??? One at a time... I'm smaller than most of my peers. But I move a lot more. I eat whatever I want. Whenever I want, (no wheat but I'm sad about it). And I have no tolerance for gyms. Too shy.

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   1. 84

      oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Good tips Genaea, thank you!

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   2. 60

      Cgenaeaposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Sure thing, Hon!!!
      The largest challenge for me was when I "tried" to force a regimen. I'm just to busy in the head... lol
      It caused me stress and guilt (when i didnt get around to squatting). Stress is a body weakener.
      Relax... you GOT this!!!

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3. 76

   tsmogposted 10 years ago

   Purpose kinda' comes into play primarily. My non-professional view is any time of the day is fine. I see the greatest value is doing it consistently the same time of day the same day of week creating a system. In other words my day to day activities are the same usually for that day of week to the next. The growth can be realized and measured completing an exercise program the same time the same day from week to week since it will be relative to your normal activity levels. From that point of view the purpose of an exercise program comes into play and then designing for that, i.e., strength training, cardio training, flexibility training, yoga too, and etc. Those all are exercising

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   1. 84

      oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks Tim, excellent ideas

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4. 86

   Greenlilyposted 10 years ago

   As for me, morning is the best time to exercise.  If I don't do it in the morning, chances are I will lose interest to do it some other time of the day because of so many distractions.

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      ThriveInsideposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I like to exercise in the morning and get it out of the way.  It will also help your metabolic rate to exercise in the a.m.!

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5. 53

   stalzxoposted 10 years ago

   I have always been told that in the morning on an empty stomach is the best time to work out. It is supposed to be good for your metabolism and give you more energy during the day. I however am far to lazy first thing in the morning to even attempt working out. Good luck to you!

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   1. 84

      oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Thank you.  It looks like the morning is what I will be aiming for, because I need it to become a habit.  That seems most doable and consistent for me.

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6. 86

   linfcorposted 10 years ago

   I try for early am when I have the most energy

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7. 75

   tsadjatkoposted 10 years ago

   
   
   The most important thing is that your exercise becomes a habit. Choose a time of day you can stick with. If you have trouble with consistency, morning may be your best time to exercise. Personally I find it best getting up early every morning and running 10 times around the block. Then I push the block back under the bed and go back to sleep till noon.
   
   "Research suggests in terms of performing a consistent exercise habit, individuals who exercise in the morning tend to do better," says Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief science officer with the American Council on Exercise in San Diego. "The thinking is that they get their exercise in before other time pressures interfere," Bryant says. "I usually exercise at 6 a.m., because no matter how well-intentioned I am, if I don't exercise in the morning, other things will squeeze it out."
   
   Whatever time you choose you need to work out for at least a week because it will take your body time to get used to it, in the morning, then try noon, then early evening. Which do you enjoy most and which makes you feel best afterward? Also, consider the type of exercise, and other daily commitments.
   
   Most of all, find a time that helps you make your exercise a regular, consistent part of your life which is more important than the time of day.
   Secondly choose an exercise that will not be overly taxing at first.
   
   I like to start with doing this (3 days a week works well!) You start out by standing outside the house with a 5 pound potato sack in each hand extending your arms straight out to your sides and holding them there as long as you can.
   
   After a few weeks move up to 10 pound potato sacks, then 50 pound potato sacks and finally get to where you can lift a 100 pound potato sack in each hand and hold your arms straight out for more than a full minute!
   
   Next, start putting a few potatoes in the sacks, but I would caution you not to overdo it at this level!

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      oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Great tips, thank you!

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8. 59

   The Examiner-1posted 10 years ago

   The best time is the time which is best for you. In other words try various times and see what time that you stick with it. Which exercise is it? See what time feels best for you to work out. (I do Tai Chi at 3:50 PM - that is me.)

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      oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      For me, it is walking as fast as I can on the treadmill, for now.  Thanks so much for your thoughts.

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      The Examiner-1posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Do you feel like doing that when you rise (AM)? Before you eat? Perhaps an hour after eating to burn fat and calories, maybe supper so you also sleep better but do not eat before bed. Wait until breakfast.

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9. 85

   unvrsoposted 10 years ago

   Firts thing in the morning. Just minutes after waking up, it can be from 5 to 6 or 7 in the morning.

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10. 73

    easylearningwebposted 10 years ago

    It will depend on one's schedule but if your schedule will allow it, I usually have more energy in the early morning after a light healthy breakfast, exercise and workout and then replenish with water and a little protein before starting the day.
    
    If the morning does not work time wise, I think the other best option is early evening, after a light dinner waiting at least 45 minutes after eating, exercise and then again, have a little bit of protein after your exercise routine especially if you are lifting some weights.
    
    Hope that helps, happy exercising!

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11. 75

    chef-de-jourposted 10 years ago

    We all have different metabolisms and lifestyles and diets so I don't think there's one size fits all for exercise time. By exercise do you mean a walk or a warm up regime or stretching and running,that kind of thing?
    
    For me walking is the staple exercise. I walk because it offers me greatest flexibility -
    
    - I can take a ten minute high pace walk at break time
    - a half hour circular at lunch
    - an hour of walking after the last meal of the day.
    
    I try and make part of my walk a challenge to my body by going uphill, through the park at higher speed or even at a slow jog.

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    1. 84

       oceansnsunsetsposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Hi Andrew, yes walking is wonderful.  I am able to push myself through walking as fast as I can, and have options for uphill, etc.  I walk in the neighborhood, but more consistently on a treadmill.

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    Jacobb9205posted 10 years ago

    I'd say in the morning as you have the most energy then

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13. 69

    Kristen Howeposted 10 years ago

    I would say early morning to mid afternoon. By nightfall, I would think you would tire and need to decompress. This works for me for walking, pi-yo and other exercises.

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