Anytime Is Good for Exercise

Question: Is it better to work out in the morning for the most fitness gains?

--EMILY DELFRANKO

Answer: No, not really. The best workout time for you depends on your own personal energy level, time constraints and biorhythms during the day.

There are positives to both morning and evening workouts. Many people enjoy starting their day with exercise because it eliminates the pressure to “get it in” at the end of the day when other priorities--family obligations, last-minute meetings, client dinners--may make it difficult to get to the gym. Also, morning exercise (be it running, yoga or lifting weights) can wake you up and clear your mind for the day ahead. It certainly beats a coffee-and-doughnut jolt.

However, there does seem to be a higher risk of injury for people who exercise in the morning. Muscle pulls and strains can occur more often at this time of the day because your muscles aren’t warmed up properly. So, before you jump on the treadmill, give your body a chance to “loosen up” for at least an hour after you get out of bed. You might also try a hot shower prior to exercising, especially if your fitness routine emphasizes yoga or lower-intensity stretching.

But don’t give up exercise if your schedule doesn’t allow you to choose the optimal time for your workout--just adapt. Be it morning or evening, you’ll still make fitness gains.

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Stephanie Oakes is the fitness correspondent for Discovery Health Channel and a health/fitness consultant. To submit a fitness-related question, e-mail stephoakes@aol.com. She cannot respond to every query.