Dear Early Shift, First, let me congratulate you on starting a workout program. Often, just getting started is the hardest part. Youve made a commitment to change your lifestyle and included working out as part of it. Thats awesome. I know what you mean about not knowing what time of day is best. Theres so much information out there, it can really be confusing. Many people like to work out in the morning because there are few distractions before the demands of the day begin. Theres even some research that shows that people who do physical activity in the morning are more likely to stick with their program than those who do it later in the day or after work. If you do your workout before the day gets started, its done and out of the way. You can go about your daily business and appointments knowing that your workout is behind you. Many people Ive talked to also say that a morning workout gives them a real "kick start" to the day, like a jolt of caffeine. When you workout, endorphins in your brain get released and give you that "natural high." Some people say that feeling lasts with them the entire day. I know it does for me. Working out in the evening is fine too if you stick with it and dont let anything interfere with this time for yourself. If you do your workouts after work or in the evening, you may be forced to skip them if something comes up. Maybe you have to stay late at the office or pick up your son or daughter from school. When that happens, unfortunately, its the workout thats the first thing to go. But to answer your question, theres really no best time to work out. Whether its morning or night, you want to pick a time of the day that works best for your schedule. If you cant get to the gym before your early shift and know it will be a problem then dont. Do it after work. If you workout at night, do it a few hours before going to sleep. Exercising too close to bedtime may make it difficult to fall asleep. The most important thing is that you want the workout to be part of your daily routine. Heres a trick that I use. I actually make "workout appointments" and write them in my schedule book. I know it sounds a little extreme, but if its written down Im less likely to skip it. Its also a great feeling when you complete the workout to check it off. At the end of the week you can see all the check marks and feel proud of all those calories you burned and muscle you gained. Heres another trick. If you think youre going to miss your workout that day, then try for a few mini-workouts throughout the day:
Bottom line: Find and make time for yourself. No one in the world is more important than you! © Joe Decker 2003 |