AM vs PM? When should I do my exercise?

Sep 9, 2024 | Uncategorized

Should I exercise in the morning or evening?

Like most things, the answer is…it depends! There are many factors to consider but these things may help you decide what is best for you.

What is actually realistic for you? Consistency is the most important predictor of success with your program. None of the following reasons matter if you can’t make it work in your life. If you are a nightowl, choosing 6am for exercises is not likely to fit your routine.

Goal of the exercise:

    1. Mobility (the ability for the joints to move freely)
    2. Flexibility and Stretching (muscles and soft tissue)
    3. Cardiovascular
    4. Strength training
    5. Balance improvement
    6. Relaxation and breathing

Type of exercise:

    1. High energy cardio or strength training
    2. Slow moving mobility or restful practice
    3. Longer sessions to improve endurance

Timing of eating and medications

Benefits of AM Exercise:

    • Well documented energy and mood boost for your day, especially with more energetic forms of exercise
    • Mobility and stretching routine may be necessary to decrease morning stiffness so that you can move and walk well throughout the day
    • More relaxed exercise could serve as meditative and set the tone for your day
    • Less chance of other factors popping up that interfere with your schedule
    • High energy exercise will have benefits for sleep routines

Benefits of PM Exercise:

    • Afternoon exercise may help you work through that late afternoon slump in energy
    • Afternoon is often a peak performance time of day, you may not require as much warm up for exercise as you do in the morning.
    • Relaxation exercises in the evening may help sleep
    • Targeted exercises may reduce the effects of your activities of the day on your sleep and the next morning
    • If there is concern about fatigue with exercise, you can rest afterwards and not drain energy that you require to meet the demands of your day. This is especially important if you are at risk for falls.

What works best for you? Hopefully considering these factors helps you decide what fits best into your life and goals!