The Best Time To Workout

You may have heard different theories about the best time to work out. Some say pre-breakfast workouts burn more fat, while others say afternoon strength-training sessions are best.

So who’s right? Cleveland Clinic Wellness fitness expert Melissa Hendricks, MEd, ACSM-HFI, ACE, has a simple solution: “People should exercise when they are most likely to be successful. If you are not a morning person, you are probably not going to enjoy exercising in the morning. If you know that at the end of the day you’re too exhausted to go to the gym, then you should plan a mid-afternoon workout. Physiology aside, it is better to do any kind of workout than put it off all together because you don’t like exercising at a certain time of day.” Hendricks applies the same logic to balancing workouts. Consider your goals and personal preferences first and foremost, and get the least favorite part of your routine out of the way first, so you don’t skip it entirely. “If you can’t decide what to do first, then do a circuit. Mix bursts of cardio with strength exercises. You’ll get both done, in a shorter amount of time,” she adds.