When is the best time to exercise? am or pm?

[Arkitech]

I've heard a thousand different opinions on this. Some experts say that working out first thing in the morning is the fastest way to burn fat, but others say that it does'nt matter what time of day you workout just as long as you exercise.

And to take it one step further is it more productive to work out before or after you eat in the morning?


I'm kind of curious about this because I'm starting a really brutal exercise program tommorow. I'll be doing a 2 day split of free weights between Monday and Tuesday. So far I'm planning on getting started at 3 in the morning before I eat. But if its no benefit to working out in the morning before breakfast then I'll probably do it in the afternoon.


Thanks for any insight on this.

 

[kb315]

I believe its morning before breakfast because your body is calorie deficient or something like that, but i'm probably wrong.

 

[Riprorin]

Is there any risk of burning muscle if you do cardio first thing in the morning on an empty stomach?

 

[StageLeft]

I said it doesn't matter, because you're splitting hairs. I've heard a lot about doing cardio prior to breakfast being best for fat, but also that such a thing can have a terrible effect on burning muscle.

 

[AAjax]

I run 3-4 miles every morning before breakfast. In the last year I have lost 50lbs and feel great. I would recomend it also so it is something you cant put off, no exercise, no breakfast Either way you loose weight

 

[AntMan530]

Avoid working out on busy streets. YOu really dont want to suck in the pollutants those cars are sh1ting out.

 

[Geekbabe]

I exercise at different times due to my work schedule.Personally I think varying when you exercise is almost as important as changing your actual exercise rountine occasionally.It keeps your body constantly on it's toes and I think it helps keep you from hitting plateaus.

 

[Eli]

Any exercise is going to be good exercise, that's why there are so many opinions- people exercise at all hours of the day, see benefits, and claim "it's the best!".

I would think that logic says the morning is the best time, though.

Since exercise has impacts on your body's metabolism long after you stop actually exercising, it seems doing it in the morning would set you up nicely for the day. Since your more active in the day, the overall benefit would be better.. at least compared to exercising and then going to sleep.

Shrug.. I'm no fitness expert

 

[Arkitech]

Originally posted by: Eli
Any exercise is going to be good exercise, that's why there are so many opinions- people exercise at all hours of the day, see benefits, and claim "it's the best!".

I would think that logic says the morning is the best time, though.

Since exercise has impacts on your body's metabolism long after you stop actually exercising, it seems doing it in the morning would set you up nicely for the day. Since your more active in the day, the overall benefit would be better.. at least compared to exercising and then going to sleep.

Shrug.. I'm no fitness expert

that explanation sounds pretty logical

well I knocked out my first workout this morning. Man it was tough, but I made it through

 

[SaintGRW]

morning before breakfast.

 

[StageLeft]

Originally posted by: Geekbabe
I exercise at different times due to my work schedule.Personally I think varying when you exercise is almost as important as changing your actual exercise rountine occasionally.It keeps your body constantly on it's toes and I think it helps keep you from hitting plateaus.

I think you're right, in terms of scheduling. For a while I was working out in the morning, but more recently I've just reset the alarm clock and do it in the evening. Eventually I"ll get sick of that again and likely move back to the morning ;0

 

[Red Dawn]

I like working out a couple hours after breakfast as I get energy from what I have for Breakfast which helps me work out harder. I've noticed that I didn't have as much energy if I skipped breakfast before I work out

 

[Rainsford]

How about "when it works for you". Seriously, unless you are attempting to win a bodybuilding championship or something, I don't think it matters very much. And even then, I'm not too convinced. For most people, what really matters is when you will drag your lazy ass to the gym

 

[Riprorin]

Originally posted by: Red Dawn
I like working out a couple hours after breakfast as I get energy from what I have for Breakfast which helps me work out harder. I've noticed that I didn't have as much energy if I skipped breakfast before I work out

Don't you work?

 

[edro]

I get up for work at 6:30, so there is no way in hell that I could workout before that. I workout for at least 1.5 hours, 4 days a week. I do it before dinner, after work (5 - 7:30pm).

I hear it is better for you in the morning, but I am far too tired and have no energy in the morning, especially on an empty stomach.