When is the best time to exercise?

[Taz]

Morning, lunchtime or evening.

The practical answer is any time is the best time! As long as people exercise around three times a week then they should be quite healthy.

However, the most efficient time is the morning. The reason for this is that your metabolic rate is highest in the morning. For a few hours after you have had a workout, your body continues to burn calories at an increased rate. Thus, if your metabolic rate is highest in the morning (which it is for everyone!) then your body will burn more calories after a workout in the morning than at any other time of the day.

Having said that, I go to the gym in the evening as that's the only time I can make it. It's probably the worst time in terms of efficiency so I just a bit more than I would normally.

[jamena]

In terms of mental health the gym is often quieter in the mornings (early mornings that is, 6:30-7am). I dislike it when the gym is busy. Unfortunately to do this you have to get out of bed...which is not easy since the invention of the snooze button! sigh

no idea about actual health reasons though. What you said sounds plausible

[0iD]

I hit the gym at 6am, mainly as that's the only available time I have.

[Twigman]

I should try out these "gym" things...sounds interesting. Do they have wifi coverage in them? I would hope so.

[jamena]

I should try out these "gym" things...sounds interesting. Do they have wifi coverage in them? I would hope so.

you know I think some probably do

[Theo]

I usually hit the gym... erm... the lounge... at 3-4am. That's usually the time that I'm feeling most ready for exerting myself, and when I'm least likely to be interrupted. The roads are nice and quiet at that time too, so I'll often have a 2 mile jog before my workout.

[spluff]

i go to the gym at 11am..... i think the best time for weight lifting is after you have filled your body full of carbs..... but it is often not ideal depending on work etc

[UKMuFFiN]

Homer quote.... " A Gime? what the hell is a Gime?..... *Walks inside*..... Oh....! a Gime!!"

Sheer comedic genius,

just like Homer, im gonna get some of those apple sauce bars down me, anyone know for some?

[Workaholic]

Just before lunch time for me, whilst everyone is getting food, I'm getting fit without having to wait for anyone piece of equipment to become available. Then afterwards there aren't any qeuves at the shops....

[FarmerJon]

I'd prefer to exercise in the morning, but the one problem I have is whether or not to eat before going...so i've been mainly going in afternoons. Any ideas on what the best morning food routine is if you're aiming for the gym by 7am??

[Taz]

Maybe a glass of milk/smoothie/juice and a couple of bananas before the gym? Zero preparation time.

Have your workout and enjoy a hearty breakfast efterwards knowing that you'll be burning those calories until around lunchtime!