I hear that it's better to do cardio in the morning (because it's better for fat burning or something) and I also hear that it's better to do weight training before cardio.
Question: Should I do cardios anyways and do weight training after or should I do weight training and then cardio in the morning? What is the best time to exercise anyways?
There are some studies that show that you burn more calories when you exercise in the afternoon rather than the morning. I was a morning exerciser throughout college and graduate school and now I do afternoon or evenings. I haven't noticed any changes. I really think you should exercise at a time when you feel comfortable because then you are more likely to stick with it, but that is just my two cents.
Oh and there are some studies that also show you should do weights before cardio because then you are more likely to burn fat stores while during cardio afterward. I usually try to do my cardio second, but I also know the later it is the harder it is to get on a machine at my gym, so sometimes I switch it up.
I guess I have not been much help, but I find there are so many philosophies out there about the best way to lose weight and tone up, you have to find what works best for you. Most gyms will offer free sessions with trainers and don't be afraid to tell them what you like and don't like. Personally I hate traditional weight machines, but I love free weights and stuff with the medicine ball and balance, so I told my trainer that and she modified my workout. That is what works best for me. Okay enough babbling...
From what I understand the idea about exercising in the morning is that you will jump-start your metabolism and then you will burn calories through out the day. I use to exercise in the morning before high school, but when I went to college I ran at night. I like running at night so much better. I am more awake and ready to go. People often say it is bad to exercise before you go to bed, but I love doing it. I run come home, get in the hot tub for a few mins, take a shower and get into bed. I think it is really relaxing and helps me sleep better. On nights that I don’t run at night I seem to be hyper and restless. I end up going to Meijer or something place open 24 hours because I can’t sleep.
I agree with Mckenke.- You need to do what is best for you because if you don’t then you may not stick w/ the exercising.
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not to confuse you further- but I have also read its best to exercise twice a day, even if you have to exercise for shorter amounts of time. Now, I have yet to actually follow this advice...but I imagine if you go for a walk in the evening in addition to your morning routine then your body will always be burning fat, even when resting.
For me, the best time is whenever I have a free hour to be at the gym.
Although, I have also been told that if you work out in the morning, you'll get your metabolism going for the rest of the day. I've also read doing weight training first causes you to burn more fat. I get most of my fitness info from SHAPE mag, so that is probably were I read these things.
RyanJ, I've had the same experience with working out before bed. I find I sleep *really* well when I work out later in the evening. If I can work out, take a hot shower, and go straight to bed, I get a great night of sleep and feel so rested in the morning.
My trainer says that if you do weight training before cardio, you burn 25%-30% more calories during cardio than normal. Since then, I've been doing cardio after weights.
I agree with everyone else, morning or evening, workout when it fits your schedule. As long as you keep going!