morning or evening?
 

I was curious which people think is better, exercising in the morning or evening? Or is it just preference? I was exercising a bunch in the evening (few hours before bed) with my roommate a while back, but now I have some mornings free.
I know it's good to shake up a workout routine, so would it be good to do some mornings and some evenings? Hopefully my roommate and I will begin exercising again, when we do it's going to be more resistance training and core work. In the mornings I am trying to take a jog- so more cardio.

Thanks
k

Mornings for me
 

Hi kendraku,
I don't think that it really matters as far as how many calories you burn. It is mostly what works best for you. For me, if I don't get it done first thing, it just doesn't get done. Plus the morning run really helps to clear the head and set up the day.

That being said, I do go to evening yoga classes, but that is as much a social activity as it is an exercise activity.

Cool thanks,
I know working out socially helps me a bunch. Plus yoga can be a nice addition especially for flexibility. I think I will try and do similar with keeping one stable time since if I can put something off till later I will, until the day is over :P

k

Yup,
I believe it was Pooh (as in Winnie) who said why do today what can be put off until tomorrow - seems to be both bear and human nature :D

I think I'm one of those night owls that wishes she could be an early bird. I work out in the evening, but I always think about switching to mornings... Maybe someday -- it would probably make me feel like a more productive, high-fuctioning person! I figure, as long as I get in there and do *something* at *some point* during the day, its all good!

I do both and there are pros and cons. If I'm working at home and have the flexibility, sometimes I will get my workout in during the day. Usually it's at night, though. I'm like SailorDoom...more alert at night, more energy then. Plus it also keeps me very mindful of snacking at night; I don't want to undo the workout benefits I just gave myself!

I think the right answer is...whenever you are willing to do it.

Absolutely, if I get any exercise done at any point during the day I'm happy. Mornings for me are a struggle just to get up and shower, I don't really waken up until about 9 in work. Lunchtimes are my best time and then I have an evening window where I suddenly perk up again. So I just go with the flow.

The work out does me the most good if I get it done in the morning, and the morning workouts are always at home. However when I go to the gym it's always in the evening, which is also nice in it's own way, but sometimes it gets me hyped up and I have trouble sleeping.

I'm an evening exerciser. Kids go sleep at around 9pm and then is my time to hit the pedals (stationery bike) or start the DVD. During workout on bike I like to watch things like The Biggest Loser, Fat Families, Half Ton Teen and the like, either on TV or on youtube. It's a great motivation :D

Early morning exercise for me, whether I'm going for a run or hitting the gym, it seems to set my "tempo" for the day when I work out before going to work.

I'll occasionally go to the gym after work, but it's usually crowded (dang resolutioner crowd), my energy level has also leveled off by them and I'm usually fighting hunger.

I used to do late night workouts, but my sleep time was suffering and I would also want to eat and them sleep on a full stomach- not so good.

I like the way I feel when I exercise in the morning, and it sets a good tone for the day. However, I think whatever works well for each individual is the best.

I used to exercise only in the evenings, but I realize I need to switch to morning workouts. I am not looking forward to waking up earlier, but I am looking forward to the results!

Yup, it is all about the results, whatever time of day!

Same here. It'd be nice if I could get out of bed and workout, but I'm not a morning person. I work out at night around my schedule and it works fine for me. I can see how working out in the morning would be beneficial as it would give you a burst of energy early on and you wouldn't have to worry about getting a workout done that day as you have already worked out.

I would think it's personal pref but it is said that a AM workout before a meal helps more with fat loss. You are already in a catabolic state upon waking and this supposedly causes more fat utilization for energy. That being said, I like my workouts in the afternoon or night.

I've been doing both lately and doubling up- early am and after work gym sessions. The gym has had an influx of new members ( the resolutioner crowd) and has been quite crowded at the normal times and I've been trying to beat those crowds.
I've also been trying to break out of a plateau .....

I used to be a morning person, but it's been difficult for me for the past couple of years. I blame boyfriend's night-owl habits and hectic work-times; often I only get to see him beyond 9 or 10 at night, and I stay up so we have quality couple-time. Of course, that makes it harder to get my body out of bed!

I like to work out in the evening once I get home from work and before dinner - I'll usually get in, have a quick snack (usually string cheese, yogurt, an apple, cottage cheese, a hardboiled egg - something with protein and/or fiber) and then warm up and walk down to the gym. If I get there before 7:00, I usually beat the later-night rush. I'm then ready for dinner when I get back and more pumped for cooking!

I exercise during my twin toddlers nap time at 120pm daily. I do workout videos since it is winter and very brutal outside northern Michigan. I cannot wait until spring and I will take their nap time put doors in the stroller while I rollerblade.