When is the best time of day (in relation to sleeping and eating schedules) to exercise?
I want to get into a regular exercise regime again. I’m going to start with basic exercises (push/sit/chin-ups) and do some jogging. Eventually I’d like to do get some weights and do weight lifting as well.
I want to know when the healthiest and most productive time to exercise is. Specifically when should I do it in relation to my sleep and eating schedules?
(1) Should I do it in the morning after waking up? In the evening after getting home from work? Right before going to bed?
(2) Should I exercise before or after eating? Should I try to exercise with some good time in between meals?
(3) If I’m starving and have the choice of exercising then eating or eating then exercising, what do I do? Should I eat maybe a little bit, exercise and then finish eating afterwards?
Thank you.
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3 comments
Renee on August 31, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I think the best time to exercise is the time you’ll most likely stick to, to make sure you keep exercising.
However, here are some guidelines:
1. Metabolism usually hits its peak in early afternoon. If you exercise first thing in the morning, you’ll amp up your metabolism immediately, and burn that many more calories.
Do NOT exercise right before bed. If you exercise at night wait at least 3 to 4 hours before going to sleep. Otherwise you’re sending your body confusing signals
2. / 3. Do not exercise after a heavy meal. Something light like a piece of fruit or toast is fine, but I would avoid dairy and meat products, as well as a full stomach. Don’t drink too many liquids right before running or bouncing; drink a little at a time. Wait a bit after exercising before you eat.
Kayla Marie on August 31, 2010 at 4:12 pm
exercise keeps you awake, so not before bed. eat something 1 hour before working out to have something in your stomach, but not so you throw up . you can choose what time of day to work out based on personal preferences after that. maybe late afternoon? hope i helped, –kay may
folladj on August 31, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I’m not sure if there is a healthiest time to exercise. If you are starving, you should certainly eat something beforehand; otherwise you will not get the most out of your workout.
When I was doing Pilates, I found that the time that worked best for me was right before breakfast (I usually had a banana first if i was hungry). I had less time to make excuses and it gave me loads of energy for the rest of the day. I know this isnt really a specific answer to your question, but I would say choose a time of day that works best for your schedule. You will be more likely to stick with it that way.
As for what you should eat, I’m really not sure. I hope someone else can give you an answer to that!
Good luck!
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