Time is something we often don’t have. So when we do, it’s important to make the most of it. Although there is no “right” or “wrong” time to train, there is a time of day, when your body and mind is in full working order, and you can get the most out of your workout. To help you discover what time of day this could be for you, we advise you to consider the following:
Struggle sleeping?
Then morning training could be better for you. Some people experience problems with sleep after they’ve trained too close to going to bed, because their adrenalin is high, their brain is active and it’s difficult to wind down. If your schedule allows you, try a morning session and compare your sleep to when you train in the morning. Other athletes also distinguish between cardio and weightlifting: After cardio they sleep like a rock, whereas after weightlifting they are too energized to sleep. As you can see, it differs from person to person. Try out what works best for you.
Can’t stick to your workout routine?
There are two reasons why morning training tackles this issue:
- Our willpower is said to be strongest in the morning.
- It stops other things getting in the way of training.
Let’s be honest, after a long day of work, sometimes all you really want is to go home and watch Netflix. The next evening, you’re out for dinner and the day after that you end up working late..we all know those unexpected things that keep “coming up” and end up getting in the way of our workout routine. By getting your workout over and out of the way, first thing in the morning, you can still enjoy all your social events without having to use them as an excuse. As well as this, if you hate queuing for weights at the gym and this puts you off going, the gym will normally will be less crowded in the earlier hours. This means you can complete your workout without any interruptions or fights for weights or machines.
Need a stress relief?
If you need relief from a long and rough day, or something to free your mind, destress and take your frustration out on, an evening training session, is probably the best choice. It’s much more likely to clear your mind and calm you down, than a bottle of wine, or comfort food on the couch.
Feel weak or energyless during training?
Many experience dizziness during an early morning session and it usually occurs because they have not fuelled their body enough before training. Every person is different when it comes to food intake before working out. Therefore it’s also a fact to consider when scheduling your workout. Can you train on a completely empty stomach? Then morning training shouldn’t be an issue. But if you need some energy in your tank, other than a banana or handful of nuts, training in the evening means you can eat at least two hours before your workout to ensure your food is fully digested and already converted into energy. To find out what to eat, you can take a look at the Freeletics Knowledge Center, for pre-workout nutrition ideas.
Need a kickstart to your day?
Do you need something to start your day on a positive note? Maybe you’ve realized you’re kind of grumpy in the mornings, as well as super sleepy and unproductive until lunch? Then a workout may be exactly what you need to kickstart your morning. It will definitely wake you up and leave you with a feeling of accomplishment and taste for achievement. You won’t believe how much of an impact it can have on your day. After finishing your workout, have a fresh shower and a well deserved, nutritious breakfast. Then, enjoy your energy boost and rush of endorphins for the rest of the day.
Is weight loss your goal?
On top of all that , morning workouts are said to kickstart your metabolism, so you may even burn more calories during the day. Studies also show that people who trained in the morning tend to make healthier food choices for the rest of the day.
Listen to your body and figure out what works for you best and fits in your personal rhythms and habits. But most importantly – make exercise a part of your routine. Only then you can get stronger and fitter. Only then you can achieve best results and become one step closer to your best version.
