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When is the best time for a workout?
The ideal setting is to do all your workouts in the morning so you can focus on other important things afterwards like work and family while letting your body recovery appropriately.
“I’d rather train in the morning than train at night if given a choice,” says Ige Lopez, endurance coach since 2004. “But for others who are tied up with work, post work sessions still work as long as they recover well and get their quality sleep, stay hydrated and well-nourished after training. For, at the end of the day, it’s all about showing up and being consistent.”
Ramos, who has trained athletes, people who just love working out and runners, says that there is a need to optimize the recovery time in between workouts and being able to balance our daily lives, and that includes work, family and other things that must be done on any given day.
“Following our natural circadian rhythm helps regulate this,” he believes. “Thus, the ideal setting is to do all your workouts in the morning so you can focus on other important things afterwards like work and family while letting your body recovery appropriately. Nighttime should be a time for you to unwind and relax before you head to sleep.”
However, life is not always that straightforward. There are work commitments and busy schedules that make some people workout during lunch break or after work. Midday sessions are okay, but you still get the rushed feeling of eating quickly post-workout and the added stress to get back to work just to “sneak in” a session.
Post-work sessions are the most common schedule for people who hold jobs, which is fine as long as you get to rest and recover at least two to four hours before you sleep. Also, when you eat a post workout meal, there should be a two- to three-hour window for you before you sleep.
“This is important so your body can digest the food well,” Lopez adds. “And it is best to do simple chores and some light activity after eating so you don’t feel too full as you sleep, which is not advisable as it can cause acid reflux, poor sleep and indigestion.”
He adds, as for my students/athletes, they schedule their training where they can do it more consistently — whether it is in the morning before work, lunch break or after work.
“As an endurance coach, who focuses on multi sports (swim-bike-run) and endurance runs (marathons) and trail runs, I just make sure that the time is enough and that the workouts are done,” Ige adds. “Because, as long as you are consistent with your training per week, then that is good enough.”