Is there an optimal workout time? It’s a question I am asked regularly. As a lifelong fitness buff and certified personal trainer, my answer is always the same: whatever time means you’ll actually get it done is your optimal workout time!
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What Is the Best Time for Exercise?
While I’m sure most people would love an answer like, “If you exercise at 7am, your body will burn 105% more calories all day long than if you exercise at 5am.” But that’s just not true.
For most people, fitting in fitness is challenge. So as soon as you find a time that works for you, plug it in to your calendar. Note that this time can vary throughout the week and from week-to-week. Building consistency requires taking the calendar into consideration, so the best time for you to exercise this week may not be so good in the future. As always, planning ahead is not optional.
For example, there have been months at a time when I had three very regular early morning clients each week– read: I had to be at work at 5.30am three times a week. That meant my workouts shifted to later in the day. But then a few months later, one of my early morning ladies was newly postpartum and another has work conference calls with worldwide offices that take place early in the morning. That means I’m back to my preferred workout time– before everyone else in my family wakes up.
Can Weather Affect the Optimal Workout Time?
Absolutely! Although it’s still summertime hot in Austin, the sun has slipped into its Autumnal slide. My early morning runs are now taking place in the dark. As a safety-first kind of gal, I want to make sure I’m visible to the pre-dawn drivers as I wind my way up and down the hills of West Austin.
Enter my new favorite gadget: an LED running vest.
It arrived at my home last week in a super fancy box. (Hint: This presentation means it would make a great gift.)
When I opened the box and the plastic bag with the goodies inside, I was nearly knocked over by the chemical off-gassing. I put the box outside, and I’m pleased to report it was not at all stinky when I suited up the next morning. Pardon the photograph– remember, I’m running while all of my people peacefully slumber.
Personally, I think the light up cuffs make the outfit totally worthy to wear to a rave (or at least what this very un-party girl thinks one might wear to a rave),too.
Now the fun part: I had not one but TWO people say “Cool vest!” as I was out running. Early morning runners are not the chattiest people, so I considered this quite a compliment.
And when I got home five miles later, my early-rising 10-year-old said, “You look cooooooooool. Can I take your picture?”
If you’re an early morning exerciser and you like to hit the roads or the trails for your workout (either on foot or on your bike), please make sure other people can see you! I also urge you to carry some type of ID in case of an accident. I am not your mother, but I do care about you and want you to be safe.
If you’re not an early morning exerciser, come over to the dark side! (But wear good reflective gear on your journey!) It can be a painful transition, but nothing beats the feeling of knowing that even if the rest of your day goes to crap, you’ve done something good for yourself. For those of you determined to stay cozied up in your bed as long as possible, check out my tips and tricks for figuring out how to find time for fitness in your busy schedule.
Good health and great happiness to you.
The product mentioned in this post was provided to me at no charge in exchange for an honest review. As always, I would never promote an item I wouldn’t use myself.
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