"Success is the sum of small efforts, repeated day in and day out"
-Robert Collier
WEBSITE: Health Magazine has ranked the top 10 healthiest restaurants in America, see if your favorite has made the list (mine is #2...Jason's Deli!) http://living.health.com/2009/02/19/americas-healthiest-fast-food-restaurants/
Starting you day off right...Morning Workouts
Pros:
-For many regular exercisers, the morning is the most common time to work out. This is because it is easiest to form a routine when you get up before work to fit in some work out time
-Let's be honest, there aren't many distractions at the crack of dawn (mainly because most people aren't awake yet). No last minute emergencies come up that keep you from making it to the gym
-Raising your metabolism first thing in the morning will keep it high throughout the day
-Gives you energy for all of your day's activities
-Keeps mental acuity high for peak academic/vocational challenges
-If you live down south, the morning is just about the only time it is remotely cool enough to go for a run
-If you are training for a morning event, make sure you exercise in the morning because you're body adjusts to workout times
Cons:
-For the first 1-3 hours your body temperature is at it's lowest point which will give you lower energy to push hard
-Cold, stiff muscles are prone to injury so warming up is more important when working out first thing
-If you are not a morning person, you will not enjoy this and will therefore be less likely to maximize your workout
Mid-day Push...Noon Workouts
Pros:
-Lunch time at work, go for a walk/jog. Having this routine will allow you to stick to it and make it an everyday habit
-A co-worker can become a jogging buddy and hold you accountable
-Your body temperature is higher by this point allowing you to have more energy
-Reduces the amount you will eat for lunch
-Keeps blood flow to the brain so you remain focused
-Allows you to relieve stress from the morning so you are more driven to perform for the remainder of the day
Cons:
-Time constraint does not allow you to workout to your maximum
-Distractions come up that make you skip this workout
-According to research, lungs function at their lowest around noon-time so it is more difficult to perform vigorous activities
De-stress After Work...Afternoon Workouts
Pros:
-Research has shown that 3pm-7pm is actually the best time for endurance and building muscles because your body temperature peaks around 6 pm. Working out a little before/after will maximize what you get out of your exercise
-Lung function is best from 4-5 pm
-Muscles are warm and flexible from the activities of the day
-Your perceived rate of exertion is lowest at this time of day and you have the ability to work harder
-Because this will be right before dinner, it will regulate the amount you eat for the meal
-Stress relief from the day
Cons:
-The major one is the distractions that can come up at this time of day. Life happens, and getting to the gym can be difficult when you have work, school and family to juggle.
End With a Bang...Night Workouts
Pros: (Similar to afternoon)
-Muscles are warm and flexible
-Again, your perceived rate of exertion is much higher than it is earlier in the day
-Also, your body temperature will be high that will help in reaching your goals
-Energy from dinnertime meal
Cons:
-The body can take up to 3 hours to wind down after a workout. Exercising late can prevent your ability to fall asleep quickly
-Like before, distractions can prevent your ability to follow through with this workout schedule
Yes, there are physical differences in what the benefits are of each time of day. These differences though are not the important focus, it is what works best for you. Working out is only beneficial if you do it, so find what works best in your schedule and when you feel the best and make this your habit. Getting on a schedule will keep you motivated to follow through and the goals will become more and more obtainable!
Happy exercising
Megan
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