My Experiment: Morning vs. Evening Workouts
Do you work out in the morning or evening?
I've always believed in experimenting on myself before asking anyone else to try something out. It's a principle I live by, especially when it comes to cognitive performance, fitness, and quality-of-life strategies. For nearly nine months, I embarked on a personal journey to see how switching my workout times would impact my daily life and performance. Spoiler alert: it was eye-opening!
The Setup
Previously, my routine was straightforward. I would hit the gym early in the morning, waking up around 5:30 AM, doing my meditation and goal setting, and then working out from 6:30 to 7:30 AM. This was followed by getting my kids ready for school and diving into my workday by 8:30 or 9:00 AM. I felt productive, but I was curious if evening workouts could offer me something different.
So, I decided to switch things up and track specific aspects of my life. I began sleeping a little later—around 11 PM versus 10:30 PM—and woke up around 7 AM. This gave me more sleep, and I still managed to have quality time with my kids before starting work. My workouts shifted to the evening, around 5:15 or 5:30 PM.
I then went back to morning workouts to measure the shift, if there was one. And there was!!!
What I Measured
Throughout this nine-month experiment, I focused on several key areas:
Energy levels throughout the day
Clarity and focus
Emotional well-being
Workout quality
The Results
Upon reflection, here’s what I found:
Energy Levels
When I worked out in the morning, I had a notable amount of higher energy levels throughout the day, approximately 30% higher than when I switched to evening workouts. It was fascinating to realize how much more energy I had after switching back to morning workouts. I'm typically a high-energy person, but had totally forgotten how good it felt to have that much energy. Strange how the brain and body function!
Clarity and Focus
My clarity and focus were also better throughout the day when doing morning workouts, showing a 10% increase compared to my evening sessions. This was crucial for my productivity and mental sharpness throughout the day.
Emotional Well-being
One of the most significant aspects was my emotional quality. I had a 35% higher emotional state when I exercised in the morning. Going back to morning workouts was a game changer for me, as I felt more centered and less prone to mood swings.
Workout Quality
Interestingly, the quality of my workouts remained roughly the same, whether in the morning or evening. I initially thought that working out in the evening would enhance my performance because I would have more calories in my system, but that wasn't necessarily the case. Surprising, as I perform my workouts in the mornings without consuming any calories because I follow time restricted eating until noon. In fact, I felt I was pushing myself harder during morning workouts, likely because they were part of my ingrained routine.
What This Means for You
Now, you might be wondering how this applies to you. Here’s what I learned:
Everyone is different; what works for me may not work for you. However, many people tend to perform better emotionally and mentally when working out in the morning. This is something we've consistently observed with our clients, too.
FAQ
Q: Should I switch to morning workouts?
A: If you're looking for a boost in energy and emotional well-being, it may be worth trying morning workouts. But remember, it’s essential to listen to your body and find what feels right for you.
Q: What if I'm not a morning person?
A: If mornings aren't your thing, that's okay! You might find that evening workouts fit better into your lifestyle. The key is to stay consistent with whatever time you choose.
Q: How do I maintain my energy levels throughout the day?
A: Focus on a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Also, consider incorporating short movement breaks during your day, regardless of when you work out. The single biggest thing you can do is manage your energy givers and takers.
Q: Can I still have a productive day if I work out in the evening?
A: Absolutely! Many people thrive with evening workouts. Just be mindful of how it affects your sleep and daily routine.
In conclusion, this experiment reaffirmed my belief in the power of self-exploration. Whether you choose to work out in the morning or evening, the most important thing is to find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Happy exercising!