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| 9.5 | Fitness Tip - Figure Out the Best Time of Day to Exercise for You |
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How to maximize the results of your exercise program by figuring out the best time of day for you to workout.
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 | When is the best time of day to exercise? This is a very difficult question. It is difficult because there is no single correct answer. There are different benefits for working out at different times of the day. You have to weigh the benefits and your own personal preferences to figure out the best time of day for you to exercise.
If you want to burn fat, the best time to workout is first thing in the morning. This is only best for light exercises like walking. When you workout on an empty stomach, your body will run out of glycogen and start burning fat. However, if you workout too hard, your body will actually bypass the fat and start burning your muscles for fuel. When you loose muscle, your metabolism will go down and ultimately make it harder for you to burn fat. Morning workouts also give your metabolism a boost for the entire day. This increase helps you burn more calories than the same workout done in the evening.
If you are concerned about muscle growth and performance, the best time to workout is in the afternoon. Your muscles will be warmer and looser. Your body will also have the fuel it needs from the meals you have eaten throughout the day.
To get the most out of stretching exercises like yoga or Pilates, you will want to wait until later in the day. Your muscles will be very stiff in the morning and extreme stretches could result in injury.
Studies show that people who exercise in the morning are far more likely to stick to their exercise program. This is true for all exercise from light walking to heavy weight lifting. If you exercise in the morning there are fewer distractions. It is less likely that you will be interrupted. You will also have more mental energy to follow through with a tough workout.
You really have to make the decision for yourself. If you have trouble sticking to a workout program, exercise in the morning. If you need peak performance, aim for the afternoon.
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| Leave a Comment About the Tip: 'Figure Out the Best Time of Day to Exercise for You' |
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| Comments | Showing Comment 1 - 2 of 2 |
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| 1 | Morning Morning Morning |
| Always best in morning. This is when you will do it. I think the part of the brain that makes excuses is still asleep. Do the things that are highest priority first. If working out is a priority do it first thing in the morning.
If you are worried about stiff muscles, make sure to warm up properly.
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| Comment 1 On:Figure Out the Best Time of Day to Exercise for You
Added On: 2/19/2009 5:33:18 PM |
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| 2 | I Like to Work out at Lunch time |
| Working out used to be painful to me. I dreaded it. Now, it is a reward! A break from work! I get to work out if I complete what I need to do at work. I take a full 2 hours off, I am more productive at work and I am in much better shape.
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| Comment 2 On:Figure Out the Best Time of Day to Exercise for You
Added On: 2/19/2009 3:56:33 PM |
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