The media is full of exercise-related stories: we don’t exercise enough, what the latest exercise and diet fads are, or when you should or shouldn’t exercise. What is no longer in dispute is that exercise is good for you, with the NHS publishing ideas and guidance to get you started.
A question that often comes up is ‘what is the best time to train and work out’? Lots of people want to know if there is a particular time that will help them burn more calories, build more muscle, or improve the cardio routine. The honest answer is that there isn’t any special time of day for any of these.
What is important though is finding what the right time for you is that will help you stick to a work-out routine – this is what will help you to burn those calories, build those muscles, or improve your lung capacity. Here are a few things to think about to help you decide what the best time is to get your trainers on and get going:
Are you a morning person?
Let’s be honest…not all of us can jump out of bed when the alarm goes off, much less be ready to hit the gym at 6am. In fact, if it takes a little time to wake up the last thing you want is to be around heavy weights or on a treadmill first thing in the morning! Finding the time of day when you are at your most energised is a great starting point as you are more likely to stick to a work-out routine.
What is your typical day like?
We would all like to think that we prioritise our work-out, but the reality is that we have all sorts of responsibilities that mean it’s not always possible. Work pays the mortgage and we want to spend time with our family; a bit of down time with friends is also important. While they should not be excuses for not sticking to a routine, if you have early morning meetings that you can’t miss or want to be home for baby bath time then factor these into finding a time when you can work out. It may be on your lunch break, or it may be that you start work a little later or leave a little earlier to hit the gym or the park before heading home.
How do you like to work out?
Do you prefer the convenience of a gym where you have all the equipment you need and a hot shower at the end? Perhaps you enjoy working out as part of a group, in which case a class may be a better option? Factor in which classes you enjoy and what times they are on and make sure you stick to them. If it’s a gym work-out you like, then what are the busy/quiet times at your local gym that enable you to get through your work-out without hanging around waiting for the equipment to become free?
Working out with a friend
If you like the support and encouragement that comes from working out with a friend, it’s important to find a time that works for both of you. Alternatively, it may be that the motivation you get from a friend means that you can try out different times and you may end up surprising yourself!
However any of these factors affect your decision, the key to a successful work-out and exercise regime is consistency. Find what works for you and stick with it to see results and work your way to a fitter, healthier lifestyle. For help and advice, or for a programme tailored to you, Valkyrie Personal Training and Massage is here for you – just give us a call on 07973 483314 and we’ll get you on to the right track.
