Another frequent question is -
what is the best time to workout? Before dawn? Before bed?
Does it make a difference?
Aware of natural daily rhythms in body functions, called circadian rhythms, many people wonder whether there is an ideal time for exercise.
Just to make things clear, pasting a link below to determine your circadian rhythm.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sleep/crt/
Now that we know little bit about natural daily rhythms in body functions, called circadian rhythms, lets discuss if there is an ideal time for exercise
The answer is that exercise itself is ideal at any time - and getting exercise is more important than getting it at a certain time of day. But research does show that your body's intrinsic tendencies can affect quality of your athletic performance.
LET'S LOOK AT IT MORE CLOSELY
For example, when you wake up, your body temperature is low. By late afternoon, it may be as much as one or two degrees higher - its peak for the day. Likewise, muscles may be cold and inflexible first thing in the morning. Although we are not aware of it, many body processes, such as blood pressure and hormone production, go through daily cycles, too.
Not everyone's circadian rhythms are identical, but most people experience similarities. Variations and disruptions can occur when you travel, when you are under stress, or when you vary your sleeping habits.
AFTERNOON ADVANTAGES
If achieving high performance is critical, late afternoon is likely to be your pick. Flexibility, strength, endurance, and ability to handle pain are highest at this time. This is the time you are most likely to break your own record, achieve your best lift, time on a cardio machine, or cycle further than you've ever cycled before.
Another advantage of an afternoon workout: Studies show exercise can improve your sleep patterns - particularly when the exercise occurs in late afternoon. A half-hour workout tends to help you go to sleep faster, and sleep more soundly. However, exercise right before bed can make you too alert, keep you awake, and start a damaging cycle of exhaustion. If you like the late-day approach to exercise, try to plan at least two hours between end-of-workout and bedtime.
MORNING ADVANTAGES
Morning exercise can have an energizing effect, setting the stage for a successful day. Like coffee, morning exercise can pick up your heartbeat, heighten your alertness, and help you feel ready to tackle your day. If you like outdoor exercise, another pro for mornings is that air pollution levels are typically at their daily low. If you do opt for morning workouts, take extra time to warm up muscles and stretch to prevent injury.
Also, people who exercise in the morning are more likely to stick with their routines. Late-day workouts, on the other hand, can be postponed or missed when demands of the day become too hectic, or when the day's events drain your energy. But getting up early in the morning can be a pain too:)
People who exercise in the early hours tend to be very productive at whatever they do throughout the morning. However, the afternoon sleepiness that hits most of us for an hour or so every day can be intense, and afternoon may become a low-energy period. This time of day is ideal for a relaxing break, a 10 min nap – may re-energize you.
ANY TIME IS TERRIFIC!!!
Take a hard look at your own schedule, and decide when it will fit most realistically and reliably. In other words, the best time to exercise is the time that you can stick with.
