Deciding to lose weight and slim down is amazing. But it can be difficult keeping up with trying to hit all of our health resolutions for the new year. It's important to set realistic goals, including sticking to a workout schedule. Some people find exercising most beneficial in the mornings because they feel more energetic and motivated. Others feel evening is the best time to relieve exhausting workdays.
So when is the best time to exercise? This article will take you through the benefits of morning and evening workouts and how to get them right.
Morning Exercise
Exercising in the morning is a great way to start the day. This will set you up for a motivated and energized day. The best time to exercise in the morning is within the first hour of waking up. This will have the most positive effect if done before 8:00 am. Exercising in the morning can help with weight loss and metabolism issues. Working out raises your metabolism and helps to burn calories throughout the day.
Another great benefit of exercising in the morning is the mood boost. People are more likely to feel energetic and ready to take on the day when they start it outright. The body also has a higher chance of getting into the habit of exercising in the morning, which will make it easier to continue.
The best time to exercise is when you eat breakfast. If you work out before eating, you may be tempted to snack throughout your workout. If you eat breakfast, you will be less inclined to snack, which will help keep you from skipping a meal and overeating later in the day.
The study shows exercise in the morning improves sleep. Results showed that those who exercise in the morning had an easier time falling asleep and staying asleep. It was also found that those who exercised tended to wake 300 fewer times per night. Those who work out at night may have difficulty sleeping because they are more energized and excited about their workout.
A Few Simple Morning Exercises That Will Have You Feeling Great All Day
Bridge Pose
Bridge Pose works on the calves and hamstrings, especially a great way to warm up before a workout. You can also perform in a living room chair or bed. Start by lying down on your back with knees bent and hips off the bed/chair. Then attempt to touch your heels together, do not force yourself to get there immediately. Hold at the top for 30 seconds, then lower back down and repeat three times. The bridge pose warms up the lower back and hamstrings.
Yoga
Yoga is a great way to start the morning and relax. Yoga is slow-moving and will get your blood pumping and exercise your body, mind, and spirit. Each time, the poses are different, creating a unique experience every time you practice. Yoga is known to lower blood pressure and improve memory. Here are some great yoga poses for beginners.
Jogging
A great way to start the day and work up an appetite is jogging. Jogging works the entire body by burning off excess fat, toning and strengthening the muscles, and building cardiovascular strength.
Evening Exercise
It's normal for us to feel exhausted in the evenings. It can be hard to muster energy after a long day at work or school. Some people find the evening is their best time to work out because of the boost of energy they get in the early morning. When working out at night, the muscles aren't working as much, and less oxygen is needed. This will allow your body to rest and recover while you sleep.
The study shows that those who exercise at night have higher levels of neurotransmitters in the brain which keep you alert and awake longer, contributing to weight loss by keeping you awake for longer periods. This same study also found that even when the body does not get enough oxygen, it can still produce neurotransmitters.
A study by 'Chronobiology International' suggests that the best time to exercise is between 6:00 pm and 7:00 pm. If you choose to work out at this time, be sure to get plenty of sleep during the day.
A How-To Guide for Best Exercises Before Sleeping
Plank
The plank exercise is great for toning the core and strengthening the arms, legs, and shoulders. This exercise is good for the entire body, especially if you want to work out but are limited on space or equipment. To do the plank exercise, you have to be on your hands and toes with a straight back and hold for 30 seconds for 3 sets.
Push-up
Push-ups work the entire core, arms, and chest. Push-ups are another great exercise that you can do anywhere with no equipment required. Before pushing up, you should make sure your body is in a straight line. Start by lowering yourself towards the ground, then raise back up to begin position.
Child’s Pose
A child's pose is a great way to relax the body and stretch. Start by getting on all fours when performing this exercise, then slowly lower yourself to the ground. It would help if you were on your forehead with hands shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. You should feel this in your butt and back.
Figure-4 stretch
The figure 4 stretch is a great way to stretch the legs, hips, and back. To do this exercise, you will start by lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat against the ground, extend your right leg up towards the ceiling, then grab the right ankle with your left hand. Pull the ankle towards your body. You should feel the stretch in the left hamstring and hip. Repeat on the opposite leg.
Precaution
Exercising in the morning can boost your energy level throughout the day. Even though exercising in the morning can be better for losing weight and improving overall health, it's important to check with your doctor for any restrictions first. You should also make sure you get plenty of rest before waking up because if you don't, you could feel tired and not be able to exercise consistently.
