Is it Better to Work Out in the Morning or at Night to Lose Weight?

According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, there is strong evidence of weight loss in adult populations that participate in regular physical activity. Whether or not working out at a certain time of day boosts that weight loss has been contested among those in the fitness industry.

  1. Your Active Body

    • The key to weight loss is to expend more energy (burn calories) than you consume (eating calories). Working out leads to increased lean body mass, which increases your daily energy expenditure by 8-14 percent.

    Morning Considerations

    • Your ambulatory blood pressure, the measure of your blood pressure throughout the day, is most reactive and rises higher in response to all activities during the morning hours compared to other times of the day.

      The risk of a sudden heart attack is also statistically higher during this time period.

    Afternoon Considerations

    • Research conducted by Phyllis Zee, M.D., a professor of circadian biology at Northwestern University, suggests that the afternoon is the best time of day to exercise. According to Dr. Zee's research, between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. is when your body is most prepared to handle the stresses of a workout.

    Evening Considerations

    • Working out too close to bedtime can result in insomnia. If you work out in the evening, try to do it two to three hours before bedtime.

    Dietary Considerations

    • While endurance athletes are encouraged to eat high-glycemic index carbohydrates before and after their workouts, your average active adult should stick with low-glycemic carbohydrates for maximum weight loss. Yogurt is one example of a low-glycemic carbohydrate.

    Conclusion

    • Overall, the best time to workout is whenever is most convenient for you. Focusing on exercise regularity and smart dietary decisions will help you lose weight.