When’s the Best Time to Work Out?

“Kim, when’s the best time to work out?”

I get this question all the time, so I thought I’d share my thoughts on this with you.

The first thing to understand is that if you’re not in the habit of exercising on a regular basis right now, then don’t get bogged down by the specifics.

It’s easy to get caught up in “paralysis by analysis” – researching and thinking so much about it until you have all the answers, that you never get started.

Because exercise is cumulative, meaning what you put in, even a little at a time on a regular basis (like consistent contributions to a retirement account), you’ll gain in compound interest over time.

So, the most important thing is that you get started – as soon as possible, instead of waiting until you have all the answers – When should I workout? Before breakfast? After? Before dinner? Before bed?

Instead, YOUR answer is really in this question: “When is the best time FOR ME to work out?”

Let me explain.

I believe that the best time to work out is when you’re most likely to do it.

Now, everyone’s a little different, but keep the following in mind…

The best time for YOU to work out is:

1) When your self-discipline is the highest.

In general, our self-discipline is the highest in the morning.

As we make choices throughout the day, we deplete our limited resource of willpower.

That’s why it’s usually hardest to make good decisions in the evening.

You might notice more infomercials and targeted ads on TV trying allure your attention by showing the convenience of fast food and delivery pizza.

So, exercise in the morning works for a lot of people (including me).

Personally, as the day goes on, I feel less and less like working out and it becomes easier to talk myself out of it – know what I mean?

Yes, I have to fight that too!

But, knowing myself, if I do it first thing in the morning, not only do I “get it over with,” but it tends to lead to a better day – I feel accomplished, more confident, healthier, more productive, and most importantly, this good thing I did for myself already in the morning helps make other healthy decisions easier throughout the day as well.

2) When it’s most convenient.

Because I work from home and there’s a 24-hour open gym in my building, anytime can essentially be convenient.

By the way, I always live in a place where there’s a gym in the building because of this principle – it’s really convenient for me to head downstairs and work out, instead of getting in my car and driving to the local gym every morning.

Think about your day and the type of exercise you want to do.

If you work a 9-to-5, changing your shoes and taking a walk around the building on your lunch break or getting a membership to the gym that’s on your way home after work (and going!), might be most convenient for you.

I hope you can see that the most important thing is that you do it – move that body, that is, on a regular basis, someway, somehow.

What you do, when you do it, and how long you do it are more specific questions that can come later, and I can certainly help you with these details.

But first, I can’t stress enough the importance of just getting started.

Don’t overthink it or make it a big production.

You can choose to take charge of your day, or your day WILL take charge of you.

The two principles above: 1) When your self-discipline is the highest, and 2) When it’s the most convenient are ideally the same time, but even if they’re not, pick ONE of those that’s going to work best for your situation.

If you need some help, book a time to talk with me during my scheduled Office Hours.

Now, not later, is the time to get moving!

It’s Your Turn to Take Care of You,

Need Some Help?

Book a time to talk with me here.