Time of day

[newbzlift]

Does it really matter what time of day I work out? I mean I have heard that it is best to work out in the morning because your muscles are fresh then. To me it sounded stupid but I just thought I would check here with everyone.

[big_swede]

I prefer to lift after work at around 6-7 o clock when I have the benefits of a whole day of eating behind me.

[IronMaiden]

I personally prefer a late morning or mid day training session. I've usually had about 2-3 meals but am not run down from a days work. I think it really depends on what you do for work, what body part you are doing, and your personal energy levels! Try a couple different times of day (if you can) and see what works best for you!

[Off Road]

Mid-mornings or afternoons work best for me. That's when I have my best energy levels.

[5kgLifter]

I only ever do cardio or freedive practice breathing sessions, first thing in the morning; all weight related workouts are late afternoon to evening. Though, if I'm going to the gym, 11am - 2pm works too.

[MikeM]

It also depends on your goals, too. If your goal is fat loss for example, then working out first thing in the morning is probably preferable than later in the day when you will be burning food instead of fat (depending on your diet and workout routine of course). If your goal is maximum strength, then finding your peak energy time of day is probably best as has been mentioned. If your goal is overall fitness, then it would probably be beneficial to always change up your times to force your body into continual adaptations. Etc. Your goals will be your main driver.

But, scheduling is a huge concern as well unless you are a professional athlete. If you have life issues that make it difficult to find the perfect time to workout any given day, so be it. My personal opinion as a pretty busy person is that whenever you can get to the gym is the best time, and while it might not be the absolute best time for me for that, or any, day, at least I got it done.

Better to have many workouts done at the worst times, than few workouts done at the very best times.

Wasn't that Confucious?

[Beast]

As I understand it....

Cortisol helps break down bodily tissue, whereas Testosterone helps build it.

Testosterone levels are normally highest in the morning (insert witticism here).

However the ratio of testosterone:cortisol is highest:lowest in the evening.

So in the evening time your body may be in a more naturally anabolic state, meaning it is more predisposed to build muscle.

I train at all different times of the day and normally find early morning or late afternoon to be most productive. My best lifts have usually occurred in the afternoon. You may be different though, so experiment with what works.

[Traphouse86]

Don't over think it man. Go in gym and smash some weight!!!

[Off Road]

Originally Posted by Traphouse86

Don't over think it man. Go in gym and smash some weight!!!

This.

[barnyalifts]

I think it is a personal preferrence. I like to lift in the morning so I have the rest of my day free.