When is the best time to exercise?

Research on lung funciton, body rhythms, temperature, and hormone levels says one thing - to exercise around 6 pm.

Surveys on exercise habits say another - to exercise in the morning before other commitments distract you, or during the day when you have a free period of time. Let’s explore the pros and cons of when to exercise.

Mornings

Pros: • The majority of people who exercise consistently do so early in the day. It is easier to form the exercise habit through morning exercise. • Fewer distractions and schedule interruptions. • Can make time for exercise by getting up a bit earlier. • Raises your heart rate and metabolism to burn more calories earlier in the day. • Gives a feeling of physical energy for hours. • Improves your mental acuity for hours. • Cooler temperatures in summer. • Air pollution is lowest in the morning. • The body adjusts to your exercise time, so if you are training for a morning sports event, train in the morning.

Cons: • Body temperature is at its lowest 1-3 hours before awakening, making morning a time of naturally lower energy and blood flow. • Cold, stiff muscles may be more prone to injury - be sure to warm up well before doing a higher intensity workout, and do gentle stretching. • If you do not enjoy morning exercise, you won’t easily form a habit by choosing a morning workout time. • Because body temperature and hormones are higher in late afternoon, you probably get the same or better calorie-burning effects later in the day.