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Best time of day to exercise: Morning vs. evening workouts

Morning or evening: what's the best time to exercise? Learn what research says and how to choose a workout schedule that fits your life and goals.

Key takeaways

  • The best time of day to exercise is the time you'll actually do it. How often you show up matters more than when.
  • Morning exercise may boost mood and energy for the rest of the day. Some research links it to better long-term consistency.
  • Evening exercise may improve strength and endurance. Body temperature and muscle function are both higher later in the day.
  • Bold's online exercise classes are available 24/7. Work out at whatever time fits your schedule and energy.
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If you jump out of bed early in the morning, an AM class might be your best bet. On the other hand, if you’re more of a slow riser with a busy workday, PM classes might be your friend. The good news is that regardless of the time of day you choose, Bold classes are available around the clock.

Take the first step to create your foolproof workout plan and solidify the time of day you exercise. Here are a few factors to consider when planning the time of day of your Bold routine:

1. Type of exercise

If you like strength training, research shows that exercise between 6:00 am and noon maximizes your work output. Live classes with Bold are held in the morning, so take advantage of these sessions! If you like high-intensity workouts like cardio, research shows evenings are the best time for high effort. However, it’s important to do what feels right for you.

2. Schedule

Studies show that working out in the morning vs. afternoon and evening can provide different benefits. Research indicates that it’s actually more impactful to choose a time of day that you can stick with throughout the week. For example, if you like mid-morning workouts the best, stick to an exercise window of 9:00am-11:00am every day of the week to optimize workout results. 

3. Motivation

Ultimately, there are pros and cons to each time of day of exercise. The best time to workout is whenever it feels best for you. If you’re the most motivated to move your body when you get off of work in the evening, do your workout then. If you like to blow off steam in the middle of the day, exercise around lunchtime. What’s most important is to listen to your body. Movement is medicine.

Get moving with Bold

Bold makes it easy to stay active as you age, with online classes designed for older adults, from balance and strength to cardio and yoga.

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