Have you ever wondered whether morning or evening workouts are more beneficial? Does the early bird always get the worm? When you weigh the pros and cons, you will see that there are advantages to both, and ultimately, what’s most important is figuring what works best for you!

Advantages of working out in the morning: 

1. Consistency: You may find that it’s easier to be consistent with your training schedule when you do it first thing in the morning! Think about it. When was the last time your family or friends wanted to get together for breakfast during your 6 am sweat session? How many times has your boss asked you to come in early the last few months vs. asking you to stay late? After a long day, sometimes it takes all the willpower in the world to muster up an evening workout, and you may end up just skipping it altogether!
2. Avoiding the crowds: Gym traffic is at an all-time high between 5 pm – 8 pm. Sometimes this can make it challenging to use the equipment that you really want. Though there can be a morning rush too, the morning crowd seems to get in and out with a fixed amount of time.
3. The Cascade Effect: Starting your morning with exercise can make it easier to follow through with the rest of your healthy habits! Once you’ve checked working out off your list, you’ll be more motivated to do things that make you feel good (like getting your water in, tracking/hitting your macros, and getting to sleep on time).

Tips to make training in the morning a reality: 

• Plan on training in the morning. Make the decision the night before! Don’t say, “I MIGHT go,” tell yourself, “I AM going!”
• Lay your clothes out the night before OR wear them to sleep!
• Pack your gym bag, clothes for work, and getting ready essentials if you will be showering at the gym and heading straight to work. (Don’t forget your lunch!)
• Try pre-workout! Some ladies like to pre-mix their pre-workout the night before a training session. That way, they can drink their pre-workout before even getting out of bed!

Advantages of working out in the evening:

1. Strength: When you’re training later in the day, you’ve usually had time to move around and your body is already fueled. This means that you may feel stronger in the evening than you do in the morning!
2. Stress Relief: Having an outlet at the end of a workday can provide a healthy way to release your daily stresses!
3. Accountability: It tends to be much easier to find a friend, family member, or even personal trainer that is willing to meet you later in the day!

 

Tips to make training in the afternoon or evening a reality:

• Plan your workouts in your planner and stick to those appointments! You wouldn’t cancel on a friend, colleague, or professional, so don’t cancel on yourself either!
• Have your gym bag/clothes pre-packed and in your car. Having everything ready makes it less likely that you’ll skip your workout!
• Make a date with a friend to hold yourself accountable.

 

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what works best in your routine! Remember, consistency is critical when it comes to achieving your goals, so find the time that allows you to stick to it! More than anything, showing up for your workout matters more than the actual time that you do it!