Many of you aren't alone when you worry about what time of day you're supposed to work out.
Is it morning, is it night? Will you get better results on an empty stomach, after a protein shake, after you do the hokey pokey and you turn yourself around?
Are you a "better person" if you wake up and do it in the morning before work?
Somehow I always feel this overwhelming pride when I tell people that I woke up at 5am to get my workout in. Like I was more dedicated, more motivated - more something.
And yes, it's because I feel wonderful to have already broke a sweat, but it's a little hard on myself to put the pressure on my schedule when sometimes I just don't feel like a morning workout. I don't feel like washing my hair. I don't feel like fetching a clean sports bra out of the dryer (because I didn't feel like folding the laundry over the weekend but whatever).
From my non-expert opinion and personal experience, the best time of day to work out fits in the perfect balance between the following factors:
+ What time will you actually work out?
When is it possible for you to get your sweat, live your life and do all the other things? Where is it on your priority list and what are you willing to sacrifice, your sleep or that happy hour or your favorite re-run of Friends?
+ When do you feel best?
Here we go talking about more feelings, but honestly - are you routinely exhausted at the end of the work day because you've been stuffed in a cubicle all day? Or are you one of those people that bursts with energy the moment you leave the doors of your stuffy office building? (If you're the latter, I'd suggest we start a job hunt immediately).
For me - the time of day that I feel best can change day to day. One thing I know about myself is that I can't work out right before bed because when the blood is flowing I stay awake counting sheep all night with my fitness playlist fresh on my mind.
+ What can you sustain and be consistent with?
If you're just starting out and trying to gain a rhythm, this is a very important piece. They say it takes 21 days to make a habit.
If you're just starting out, I challenge you to pick out your "golden hour" of the day and make that your time. Tell your family and your friends that it's your time and make sure they respect your new fitness journey. Set the consistency and set the habit - you'll see yourself making a positive change.
In no time at all you'll be familiar with the way it feels to lace up your tennis shoes and it won't matter what time of day, as long as you get it in and you feel great while doing it.
While this is my first post on the topic, it will not be my last - good luck finding your happy zone!
