How To Determine The Ideal Workout Time Each Day

Four Ways to Just Know When You Should Workout

 

Jen works out every morning. It’s her time and the very first thing she does five days a week.

Scott works out at the end of the day. After the office, he heads straight to the gym. He loves nothing more than to get rid of the stress of the day before going home.

Cindy takes an extra long lunch break so she can walk around the path of her corporate park offices. She doesn’t miss a day whether others join her or not.

Larry does everything he can just to fit in a workout whenever he can. His schedule changes all of the time and so do his workout times so he slips them in when he can.

When is the right time for you to workout?

Some of you have the exact same schedule and routine all of the time. You may work in an office at a 9-5 type of job and never travel. Your schedule simply never changes.

Others have complete variety in your schedule and every day is a new adventure.

The key is to try and really think through when is the best time for you to workout that will give you the highest return on your investment and not just go through the motions and no rep is left behind.

There are Four Ways to Just Know When You Should Workout:

1. Know Your Schedule – When “CAN” You Workout?

Surprisingly, many people “just do their workout” and never really think about their schedule and when it best to workout.

But if you have any variety within your day, you need to consider your schedule:

• Do you have an early day ahead? – If so, you may need to workout later in the day “that day” to ensure you workout or you just may need to get up very early (I wish you the best!)
• Are you traveling? – I find when I travel my workouts could be at any point in the day because it depends on my unique travel schedule. And I’ve accepted and embraced that reality.
• Do you have long hours today? – if you have a very long day, you may want to break the day up with a workout. Get creative.

Just don’t succumb to the biggest lie people believe about working out which is click here…

The point is thinking ahead of when is best for you to workout given your schedule.

2. Know Your Energy – When Is “BEST” to Workout?

It’s suggested you should ALWAYS workout in the morning since you never know how your day will go. And working out early kicks your body into gear in multiple ways (metabolism / energy / focus, etc).

Succeeding to both points, this may not be your best “energy time” of the day. And if that’s you, then working out at a higher energy point in your day may be your best option especially to see positive and even exponential results.

For example, I struggle with adrenal issues. I’ve unfortunately zapped my adrenal glands and if I push myself too hard, can put myself down for days without doing much of anything.

As a result, I’ve found that during these times, the best times for me to workout is late morning when my energy is the highest. Is it ideal? Not a chance. But I have the flexibility in my schedule when I work from home to make these changes.

Remember, if the goal is to maximize your workout times, know your energy and when is best for you and your body.

3.  Know Your Season – What is “DIFFERENT” in my Life Right Now?

You may be in the midst of training for a marathon (whatever length) or a triathlon (sprint or olympic) due to a Fitness Goal this year. So, for a stretch of time, your workouts are laser focused. Everything you do revolves around your training.

Others are in the midst of a timing-based workout: P90X3 for 90 days. Focus T25 for 60 days, etc.

This season affects when and how long you workout. So adjust, and not only fit it in but allow enough time to maximize your training.

Other seasons could be a heavy travel schedule, large project at work, new job or child, etc.

These seasons are usually short term but require a change in your workout schedule.

Unfortunately, this is the very time when most people just stop working out. They don’t adjust their workout schedule and a result, it’s the beginning of the end of their workouts, the very thing they actually need during this season.

Be willing to adjust and keep the gift of the workout in your routine. You may need to schedule it at an usual time for a season but it will be worth it in the long run.

4.  Know Yourself – When Will You “ACTUALLY” Workout?

Some of us know that if we don’t workout in the morning, “baby, it simply ain’t happenin’ any other time” is the reality no matter what else is going on in your life.

Great. Know yourself.

Others know you can workout whenever in your day if you’re committed to your workout. This is me. If I’m committed, I’ll adjust (especially in light of my health issues right now).

But only you can answer this question for yourself.

And IF you only have ONE TIME you can workout, then here is your warning: do everything you can to guard that “only time” you can workout.

This means being willing to get to bed earlier so you take away your excuse for being tired and “needing” to sleep in longer in the morning.

It also means planning ahead (getting your clothes out, workout DVDs set or music ready to run) so you’re not wasting valuable time in the morning.

Know yourself and what it will take for you to actually workout. Then take away every excuse so you make your workouts a priority and a reality.

Closing Challenge…

I have a high level of faith in motivated, busy professionals because they know how to get things done.

Yet ironically and sadly, I hear all of the time, the workout time is often the first time to go when life gets crazy. I understand it but don’t accept it.

Or maybe you’re stuck in a workout rut and need a change of pace. Make the change today!

You know fitness is a HUGE area of being physically better and a must within your routine.

I challenge and encourage you to think through your workout times on a consistent basis. Adjust as necessary so you can see the success you want and need in this area of your life that only you can do.

Closing Questions…

What CAN you workout?

When Is BEST to Workout?

What Is DIFFERENT in my Life Right Now?

When Will You ACTUALLY Workout?