I have never really exercised consistently, and I'm trying to get a routine established. I am NOT a morning person at all, although I know that's the best time of day since you get it over with and have no excuses to skip it. I've heard that first thing in the morning is best; I've heard that mid-afternoon is best; and I've heard that it doesn't really matter, as long as you do it! I would prefer to do it about 8:00 at night because I'm a night owl. If it will "hurt" me to do it late like that, then I don't want to waste my time exercising at that time if I won't benefit from it. I'm not worried about it keeping me up (I've heard that if you exercise late, you might not be able to go to sleep). What I'm worried about is when is the best time as far as your metabolism is concerned.

If anyone has any thoughts on this, I would appreciate hearing them. Or, if anyone has worked out at different times of the day and has some personal experience stories to add, I would love your advice. Thanks!!

Wishing I enjoyed exercise.. :walkman:

Beachin,actually everyone has different sleeping patterns, working hours and energy levels. To find out when getting active works for you, check your day planner first to see when you have time! You also probably know whether you're a morning or evening person - and that's key to committing to a regular exercise regime.

Try to plan your workout at around the same time each day so that it becomes a habit. Before you know it, exercise can be a part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. Boosting your heart rate less than three hours before going to bed might not be the best idea, since you might have problems falling asleep. If you're a night person, consider exercising in the early evening instead of a late-night workout.

However, a recent research challenges the assumption that late-night exercise disturbs sleep. Sleep was not adversely affected by a 1-hour bout of exercise at 60% VO2 max or by 3 hours of exercise at 70% VO2 max completed 30 minutes before bedtime. These results could be explained by quicker post exercise physiologic recovery among physically fit individuals. On the other hand, a population survey conducted by Vuori, Urponen , and Hasan indicated that exercise within 2 hours of bedtime improved or had no effect on sleep for most individuals. Since the evening is often convenient for exercise, individuals should include evening as they experiment to find the most suitable exercise time.

Yes, there is a relationship between timing of exercise & eating. U also should consider it. U will know more from the news section of this website about this correlation. Check it out & enjoy.

Exercise when you want to. I exercise mornings or evenings-depends on my schedule for the day. I've never noticed any difference in my work-outs or in my weight loss.

You already know that you are a night person, so that indicates that your metabolism peaks at that time of day.  If it makes you happy exercise at night.  I was a self-proclaimed night person, but it was necessary for me to exercise very early in the morning while my young family slept.  Dad didn't leave for work until I came home from my workout.  After a few months time I found myself being awakened by my heart rate increasing at the exact time I needed to be waking up.  What a wonderful feeling of being in control of my health and metabolism that was!  I now know that, as long as I'm taking good care of my body, my body will respond to my conscious control.