Four Reasons Why an Evening Workout is Good for You
Maybe you have always worked out in the evening, and although life sometimes threatens to upset your schedule, you've stuck to evening workouts. Well, it turns out there are benefits to working out in the evening. Check out the following:
1. You stand to enjoy a stronger workout
When you exercise in the evening, your workout is likely to be stronger and your performance better than when you exercise in the morning. The reason? Your body temperature is already higher after a day of work, and you have enough fuel for the activity.
This has been confirmed by, among others, a study by researchers associated with the School of Exercise, Biomedical and Health Sciences, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, Western Australia, and the New Zealand Academy of Sport North Island, Auckland, New Zealand. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine in December 2011.
However, it's not advisable to exercise after dinner as you might suffer stomach cramps. It's best to eat a snack before exercise, then have dinner after the workout.
2. It promotes better rest and sleep
Some studies suggest that exercise improves sleep. A research paper published in February 2019 in the Physiological Society journal concluded that exercise makes people fall asleep faster and reduces nighttime awakenings.
However, it's not advisable to engage in vigorous exercise an hour or less before bedtime, as this does not allow the body enough time to cool down in readiness for sleep. If you have trouble falling asleep, it's best to engage in light-to-moderate physical activity at least four hours before you climb into bed.
However, another study associated with the University of Jyvaskyla, Finland, concluded that vigorous exercise has no effect on the quality of sleep, and does not hinder good sleep. The findings were announced in the Journal of Sleep Research in May 2010.
3. It helps you to let off steam
Hard day at work? Trouble with an unreasonable boss? Rather than attempting to drown your stress in liquor, it might be better to work it off by taking a brisk walk, a jog, or a workout in the gym. You will then be calm and sleep better.
4. You have more time than in the morning
When you work out in the evening, you are not under pressure to finish, shower, have breakfast, and go off to work. Depending on your situation, for example how much you have to do at home in the evenings, you can exercise for as long as you like. You are not watching the clock, so you can concentrate on your workout.
It's not plain sailing though
You may be all set for an evening workout, but life may have different ideas. Family obligations, emergencies, responsibilities at work, and other factors could all conspire to scatter your good intentions. This is unlikely to happen during a morning workout since you'd be exercising first thing in the morning, before the day's activities catch up with you.
However, the decision lies with you. If evening is your exercise time, then evening it will remain, and if you prioritize well, you can make it a consistent part of your schedule.
Final thoughts
Consistency is key. It has been found that when you work out at the same time every day, you record better results. So, find a time that suits you, exercise consistently, and you will surely reap rewards.