Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

[MimsyBeauty]

Today is my first day completed on Induction. Eating went well, according to the list of allowed foods, had my water, but didn't do my treadmill.

I still have enough energy to get on for a brisk 20 minute walk (my FIRST time stepping on the treadmill in a loong time, so I don't want to overdo it at first).

My question is: Should I skip it and do it in the morning? I really want to get on it since I feel motivated right at this moment, but I've read from other sources that exercising before bed isn't wise, as it may lead to sleeplessness due to the release of specific chemicals in the body.

I think I'm just going to do it, since it's late already (11 PM) and I would suspect that I may not get an answer tonight.

So in general, is AM or PM better for exercise?

Thank you so much. I want to do thing correctly, right from the start.

[quotidianlight]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

I always prefer morning workouts and often retain water if I work out late. BUT I prefer to take an evening workout rather than miss one or it sets a really bad precedent for me since discipline is not one of my gifts. I think building a habit is a higher priority for me than any particular time period. As I do more miserable evening workouts I find I miss far fewer morning workouts :P

[MimsyBeauty]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

BUT I prefer to take an evening workout rather than miss one or it sets a really bad precedent for me since discipline is not one of my gifts.

I hear ya, and that's an excellent point. I did get my exercise in last night, but will really try to get it done in the morning, so that it's over and done with.

Thanks for your reply.

[hrgillespie]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

I actually prefer an evening workout ....... I have never had it effect my sleep in fact after I work out and take a nice warm shower I am so relaxed and ready for bed I find a sleep better. I also don't know if it's true or not but they say you burn calories at a faster rate for several hours after excercise and if thats true I love that fact that I am doing it while I am sleeping and would normally be burning way less ......

I also do a morning workout so I guess I like both ........

Heidi

[dreamof145]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

That is a good question. I've done both. My life is ever changing with my routine. I've heard that mornings is best so you get it done and don't have the whole day to procrastinate and talk yourself out of it. I've also heard that evenings are best cause that keeps your metabolism burning while you sleep. For me, I've worked the exercise in when its most convenient. In my own personal opinion is that everyone's schedule is different and as long as you get it in sometime ... thats better than not doing the exercise. At times, I've even done some in the mornings and more at night.

[I_WILL_Lose_Weight]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

Any exercise is good for me

Just get it done when you can get it done. That's probably the best advice you can receive on this matter. My personal trainer once told me that as long as you push your heart, because it's designed to be pushed everyday, then you have your exercise done for the day. So for instance, horse back riding, vigirous work around the house, etc., anything that causes you to sweat and pant can be considered exercise

Or at least that's how I feel. These hardcore trekkies might tell you different :P:P But for someone starting out, just take it easy and make sure you're not hurting your legs or your shins or youll be out of commission for a couple of weeks

[abouttime]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

I think it all comes down to personal preference. For me i prefer to do it in the morning because i find it gives me a lot of energy. If i do it ay night i am usually too tired from my day and dont give it my all.

The important thing is that you are exercising. Good luck!!

[MimsyBeauty]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

Just wanted to pop in to say I did my treadmill this morning, after taking my son to school, and hopefully it'll become routine.

At night, I'm going to try to get in some yoga stretching on a routine basis. At least I'll feel like I'm "closing the day" with something productive. Besides it feeling so good, it'll get me more familiar with my body, and how it moves, so that I'll be able to notice how much it's changing as I lose the weight.

Ok, enough exercise self-psychoanalysis!

Thanks everyone!

[ttdriver]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

Either one .. just gitter done !

Betty

[Fayeza]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

Do it whenever it is convenient for you. I find it difficult to wake up an hour earlier. That's why, I exercise the last thing at night before I sleep, and It doesn't disturb my sleep at all.. In fact, I sleep like a baby.
Good luck with your journey.

[TheDogAteMyName]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

I prefer an evening workout. I'm taking care of the kiddos during the day and my focus is on them. Once I head off to the gym I get to focus on myself. I love that time for me and they love to play in the children's room.

[Tom]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

I think if you have the choice, exercising in the AM is much better.
Firstly you really have no excuses you havent had the chance of having plans after work etc ... you havent had a bad day ... you havent had time to think about it ...etc
On top of that it really makes you feel good for the rest of the day.

Also I find that when I exercise in the AM I feel less hungry

Plus if you need to do some additional exersize during the day ( like walking somewhere ) then you get double the exercise for that day

[chinadoll]

Re: Exercise: Better in AM or PM?

Mimsy, I like to do my cardio in the morning because I feel guilty all day if I leave it til later. It also makes me feel better about myself all day long when I get it done early.

The yoga idea at night is a great one. I got "stuck" in an evening pilates class when there was no room in the a.m. sessions and was shocked to discover that it was a wonderful way to end the day. The stretching and calm pace made me more relaxed and ready for bed. I think you have a good master plan.