when should I exercise?

SparkPoints: (1,452)
Fitness Minutes: (906)
Posts: 35
6/26/12 7:34 P

I like to workout in the morning, but if that doesn't work I'll do it right after work and I'll make sure to do it right after I get home from work.

current weight: 127.0

128 123.5 119 114.5

110

SparkPoints: (12,276)
Fitness Minutes: (7,710)
Posts: 284
6/26/12 4:59 P

I work out when ever I get the time...some times you make the time too.

current weight: 239.2

275 261.75 248.5 235.25

222

Posts: 3,388
6/26/12 4:54 P

I work out whenever it feels right to me. Consistency is important so I do not take anyone's advice. I have to love it to enjoy it.
Good luck

June Minutes: 795

0 250 500 750

1000

SparkPoints: (7,983)
Fitness Minutes: (10,435)
Posts: 157
6/26/12 4:42 P

I enjoy working out in the morning, but my busy schedule with the kids can throw a kink in that. I also find perks to working out in the evening when the kids are in bed, because i have no one pestering me

Pounds lost: 3.0

0 8 16 24

32

SparkPoints: (1,630)
Fitness Minutes: (300)
Posts: 21
6/26/12 4:37 P

Thanks for all the input. I was getting worried that my choice of time to workout was not going to work and I didn't want it to be for nothing. Obviously, working out, no matter when, can never be bad :o)

Pounds lost: 28.0

0 43.25 86.5 129.75

173

SparkPoints: (43,214)
Fitness Minutes: (12,716)
Posts: 8,267
6/26/12 4:35 P

This is one of those questions you'll have to experiment to find out your answer.

When I first got started, I couldn't eat before I worked out. It would make me sick! Now that I've ramped up the intensity and am in the gym for 1-2 hours, I have to have something before I go in. Usually, it's a protein shake, or something small, like a banana or a boiled egg.

There's no right or wrong. You're not going to "burn more fat" exercising at one time over another, with an empty or a full stomach. It's about what works for you, your schedule, and your body.

If you work out most consistently, do it in the morning! If you're fine working out on an empty stomach, you're not going to hurt anything at all. If you find that you need something, it doesn't take much, usually.

current weight: 187.4

211 197 183 169

155

Posts: 551
6/26/12 3:52 P

Find what works best for you. That is the time to work out!

current weight: 158.0

167 160.75 154.5 148.25

142

Posts: 2,085
6/26/12 1:12 P

I'd say exercise at whatever time works for you. I work out early morning, 5:30 - 6 a, but I don't eat beforehand and I haven't had any trouble losing weight or maintaining weight loss, nor do I feel any issue with my energy when I run. I usually eat breakfast within a half hour of my workout.

SparkPoints: (51,572)
Fitness Minutes: (22,226)
Posts: 2,111
6/26/12 11:37 A

Typically I have no energy early in the morning, and my energy does not show up until I digest my breakfast, more like noon. If I force myself, I will workout, but the intensity of the workout won't be so high. Instead, I work out in the evening. I have far more energy, and also in need of relieving the stress. So evening (even late night) exercises suit me well.

Body Fat %: 25.0

30 27 24 21

18

Posts: 1,168
6/26/12 9:01 A

Do what works best for you. Eating before exercising, waiting 2-3 hours after eating, and not eating before exercising are all personal preferences. There isn't a "best" option.

Personally, I always eat before exercising because I cannot exercise on an empty stomach (I get sick if I do). It doesn't bother me to eat right before exercising, unless it's something really heavy or greasy. I never wait 2-3 hours after eating to exercise.

SparkPoints: (34,361)
Fitness Minutes: (29,278)
Posts: 1,518
6/26/12 7:33 A

I'd say exercise whenever you want to - if you want to do it in the AM, but don't want to eat that early, just have a small snack - about 100 calories (even a glass of lo-fat milk would be good.)

If you exercise at a time that feels good, and works well in your schedule, you are more likely to keep it up. Do what feels good to you.

June Minutes: 0

0 62.5 125 187.5

250

Posts: 12,542
6/26/12 7:18 A

There isn't really a categorically "better" way to time meals and exercise. It is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people (especially morning exercisers) feel they don't have enough energy for a workout if they don't eat at least something. Others feel nauseous if they do.

Perhaps try it both ways and see if you fall strongly in either camp.

Also, you don't necessarily need to eat a full breakfast straight up - some people have a small snack when they get up, and then have breakfast AFTER their workout.

M@L

current weight: 178.0

220 203.5 187 170.5

154

Posts: 2,707
6/26/12 4:51 A

I workout first thing in the morning. If I don't, there's a chance I won't work out at all. I typically work out on an empty stomach, and that works for me. If I feel really, really hungry or feel like I need something, I'll make a protein shake or eat a piece of fruit first. If you don't feel like you need to eat, then don't. If you want to eat, and having a full stomach doesn't bother you, then do. I find it difficult to workout after having a good sized meal sometimes. I used to go to classes after dinner, and I didn't always feel awesome. Do what works and feels good for you.

Edited by: JENMC14 at: 6/26/2012 (08:24)

current weight: 133.0

165 152.5 140 127.5

115

SparkPoints: (1,630)
Fitness Minutes: (300)
Posts: 21
6/26/12 3:50 A

I have been trying to decipher the best time to exercise. I want to do it in the mornings before work, but I don't eat that early (it would have to be 5 am) and many things I have read say to wait 2-3 hours after eating to exercise. Or I have read not to exercise on an empty stomach. I know myself and know that if I don't exercise early on, I'll be less likely to do it in the afternoon after work. Any suggestions or articles will be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Pounds lost: 28.0

0 43.25 86.5 129.75

173