Best time of day to exercise

[supercycle]

Really need to lose weight and get fit. I am not really a morning person so the best time of day to exercise will be during my lunchtime or once the kids are asleep. Which works better?

Anytime that works for you and that can become a regular thing would be my answer!

I don't think there is huge difference in weight loss. I struggle early mornings too and often find late afternoon can be a good time.

You may find though that focusing more on food and calorie reduction gives you a good kick start on weight loss - running burns about 300/400 cal aka two glasses of wine!

I like running before I have my lunch as even when I enjoy it I find the “chore” of exercise hangs over me when I plan it for the evening. But it’s not always possible. I personally prefer early morning but that’s hard to do in real life! The next best for me is as soon as I get home from work. If I sit down it’s game over…

I know you say you're not a morning person, but mornings are the best IME for getting into a routine as the only person who can ruin it is yourself (by not getting up!)

Whereas in an evening there are always other things to do; jobs to get on with, kids to sort, work that overruns, last minute invitations from friends, meals to cook, etc. If you've got your exercise out of the way in the morning, you can be more flexible with that stuff.

If mornings really aren't an option then lunchtimes are better, but I suggest laying your kit out in preparation, and making sure the time is blocked out of your diary at work (if you have that sort of job) to make sure you do it.

Best time is whenever you will do it consistently. If lunchtime allows you enough time to exercise and take a shower afterwards if you need to (and you really should need to have some sort of a wash afterwards) then that might be a better bet to try first. By the time the kids are in bed does not sound like a very appealing time. But it might work for you. Personally, I exercise best on an empty stomach so I do it first thing.

I do a mixture of mornings and evening workouts and I prefer my morning ones every time.

I just feel like I can get up, get my workout done and then I have the rest of the day. Meanwhile on the evening ones (either classes, swim or home workout) I find myself not putting in as much effort because i'm tired from the day.

Also my gym is my furthest point so I prefer going in the morning so by the time I get to work i'm halfway home..In the evening I have to go to the gym then it's 3 miles to cycle home and i'm always....meh during the class as I know i've still got that cycle ahead of me

If you can do mornings i'd recommend.

If you can get yourself into the discipline of exercising in the morning, you’ll find you love it. Sets you up for the day. A year ago I’d have been horrified that there were two 6 o’clock s a day, never mind the thought I’d be exercising at the first one, but it’s great. You can be in the shower and getting ready for the day by 7 without it hanging over you.

I'm not a morning person but unless I do it before I start work it doesn't happen!

I agree mornings. It works for me - just roll out of bed trainers / kit on - run - back home in 35 mins and straight in the shower. Never thought it would - but there is an amazing sense of achievement that you feel that you are “well ahead” for the day already.

I know that I have to gone by 6:25 for it all to fit in.

There is lots of studies as well that show that x3 lots of 10 min bursts in a day are just as effective.

What Swallowridge said -- whichever time makes it easiest for you to sustain the habit is the best time. I'm not a morning person, either.

For me exercise is appetite suppressant. If I wanted that effect, then noon sounds good, try to make that turn into light lunch intake.

whatever works best for you.

I prefer first thing in the morning
a, better for me on an empty stomach
b, I don't have to worry about it all day or end up not doing it because of excuses