Are You an Early-morning Lark or a Late-evening Owl?

Morning or Evening, Give Your 100% Efforts for Any Physical Activity

In general, most individuals don’t find/have time to do just 30 minutes of cardio on at least 5 days of the week, involve in weight-training exercises on at least two days of the week and fit in exercises such as yoga that involve mind-body coordination, flexibility training and other physical activities in our daily schedule.

The important element in exercising is to try to do more than what we are currently doing. Rarely, people find time to exercise and the successful ones are those who ‘make’ time to exercise. Once an individual tunes his/her mindset to start exercising, the next question is when to exercise? While we know that early morning is the best time to exercise, the practical solution is to do your exercise on the time of day when you are most likely to perform. Best results are achieved when you stick to your workout timings and do it at the same time every day.

Also, weather and traffic are other important deciding factors that must be taken into account before jumping into some exercise routine. You can’t go for a hike in the winter due to the cold temperature nor can you do an effective bike ride in the evening traffic. Get ideas on effective workouts that can be done anywhere and anytime irrespective of the weather outside at www.firsteatright.com. Athletes are bound to consider factors such as circadian rhythm, core temperature and hormone levels when they workout, but for an average individual trying to exercise the main factors he/she should bother about are consistency, routine and convenience. Every time of day has its own pros and cons. Decide when you want to exercise depending on your availability.

The Early Riser
Many people love to start their day with exercise as they feel that this helps them choose healthier foods during the rest of the day. People also feel that physical activity in the morning helps them maintain regularity, prevents them from skipping workout quoting bad mood or tiredness and above all, gives them a dash of energy when they involve in exercise first thing in the morning.

The main disadvantage here is that you need to wake up early which is the most difficult task for many people. Out of enthusiasm you might set your alarm for 5.30AM in the morning and start your exercise plan. But, ask yourself if you can maintain this time all days of the week or try getting up on one or two days. See how it works and adjust your bedtime routine as per this requirement.

Afternoon Birdie
Some people love to choose mid-afternoon for workout as they feel refreshed and motivated to work after an enriching session of cardio workout or a simple walking session. It can be the much-needed break from your hectic work schedule and can help you focus better on your work at office during the latter part of the day and stay productive throughout.

The main drawback here is the time constraint. When you exercise between office hours, you get limited time and also, getting away from your busy day at office is quite challenging. Your workout would include dress change and a shower that might take away some more time and your actual exercise time is decreased leaving you with little time to workout. Eating your lunch can also be tricky as you are confused if you should workout and then have your lunch (this would delay your lunch time drastically) or have your lunch and then take a break again after some time to exercise.

Late-evening Player
Evening workouts are also popular among many individuals who find it easier to find a workout partner in the evening than find one who is ready to get up at 5.30 a.m. for a workout session. Also, gyms offer many late-evening group workout classes that can be fun, motivating and an effective stress buster after a day filled with ups and downs right from the morning.

The main downside of exercising in the evening is to really understand whether you are ready to exercise overcoming all your fatigue and mood swings after a hectic day. Also, the energy boost that your exercise offers would be a hindrance to your sleep routine. It takes a lot of willpower to exercise regularly in the evening for which enrolling in a group class or tagging your friend along can prove to be worthy alternatives.
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Whatever time of day you wish to workout, the main factors to be kept in mind are consistency and regularity. While studies might prove some time of the day to be more effective that the rest, this is a minor factor when you think about the advantages of improved health and fitness that comes with the overall effect of exercising regularly. Find your convenient time, enroll yourself for a class and start immediately. Right now, is the good time to start exercising.