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Exercise Hours – When is it Beneficial to Work Out

Exercise Hours – When is it Beneficial to Work Out
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Table of Contents 4
Physical exercise plays a pivotal role in shaping fitness and condition... Its schedule is largely contingent on the available time and preferences of the person training... Both morning and afternoon workouts have their disadvantages and advantages... When is it most beneficial to allocate time for training?
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When should we engage in a training regimen?

The selection of the training period is a matter associated with a multitude of questions. Despite numerous investigations, it remains a subject requiring a more thorough examination (D. Seo et al., 2013; S.A. Creasy et al., 2022; O. Saidi et al., 2021). However, taking into account the substantial benefits derived from consistent activity, the optimal time for training is when it can be adapted to the daily schedule. Some prefer morning sessions, while others favor afternoon workouts - it all depends on individual preferences and time availability. If a training routine and specific time slots for physical activity have not been established, it is advisable to acquaint oneself with the advantages and disadvantages of exercises at various times of the day to determine which option is most suitable.
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Benefits and drawbacks of early morning exercise

Morning exercises can have a positive impact on well-being and sleep quality, but they can also lead to sleep problems. This article examines the benefits and drawbacks of early morning exercise.
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Advantages and disadvantages of afternoon and evening exercises

In the afternoon and evening hours, the body may exhibit higher physical performance. This knowledge may be helpful in designing training plans, preparing for maximum tests or sporting events. In this period, it is possible to train more intensely, taking advantage of the increased tolerance of the body to perform anaerobic efforts, such as strength training. However, it should be noted that hormonal changes occur during the day, which can affect the effectiveness of training. Testosterone, an anabolic hormone, is responsible for maintaining muscle protein synthesis. However, its production is higher in the afternoon, which can lead to greater gains in strength and muscle mass. However, it should be noted that late-night workouts may negatively affect sleep quality. Intense workouts performed late in the evening may cause problems with falling asleep and worsening sleep quality. Furthermore, it is important to emphasize that late-night workouts may be less effective than those performed earlier in the day, due to the accumulation of fatigue during the day.
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Summary

Based on scientific research, the differences in the advantages of exercising at different times of the day are small and this topic requires continuous in-depth investigation. The time dedicated to physical activity should be adapted to the capabilities of the person training, their preferences, and daily rhythm. For recreational sports enthusiasts, the time of day will not have a significant impact on the effectiveness of the workout. However, it is important to pay attention to fundamental factors such as appropriate diet, adequate hydration, regular physical activity, and rest.
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Alley J.R. et al., Effects of Resistance Exercise Timing on Sleep Architecture and Nocturnal Blood Pressure, „Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research” 2015, 29(5), 1378–1385.
Creasy S.A. et al., Effect of Morning and Evening Exercise on Energy Balance: A Pilot Study, „Nutrients” 2022, 14(4), epub.
Ferrando A.A. et al., Testosterone injection stimulates net protein synthesis but not tissue amino acid transport, „American Journal of Physiology” 1998, 275(5), epub.
Hill D.W., Morning–evening differences in response to exhaustive severe-intensity exercise, „Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism” 2013, 39(2), 248–254.
Iwayama K. et al., Exercise Increases 24-h Fat Oxidation Only When It Is Performed Before Breakfast, „EBioMedicine” 2015, 2(12), 2003–2009.
Saidi O. et al., Effect of morning versus evening exercise training on sleep, physical activity, fitness, fatigue and quality of life in overweight and obese adults, „Chronobiology International” 2021, 38(11), 1537–1548.
Seo D. et al., Morning and evening exercise, „Integrative Medicine Research” 2013, 2(4), 139–144.
Stutz J., Eiholzer R., Spengler Ch.M., Effects of Evening Exercise on Sleep in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, „Sports Medicine” 2019, 49(2), 269–287.
Vieira A.F. et al., Effects of aerobic exercise performed in fasted v. fed state on fat and carbohydrate metabolism in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis, „British Journal of Nutrition” 2016, 116(7), 1153–1164.
West. D.J. et al., The Influence of the Time of Day on Core Temperature and Lower Body Power Output in Elite Rugby Union Sevens Players, „Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research” 2014, 28(6), 1524–1528.
Wheeler M.J. et al., Distinct effects of acute exercise and breaks in sitting on working memory and executive function in older adults: a three-arm, randomised cross-over trial to evaluate the effects of exercise with and without breaks in sitting on cognition, „British Journal of Sports Medicine” 2020, 54, 776–781.
Scientifically reviewed by a clinical dietitian • 23.03.2026

Alley J.R. et al., Effects of Resistance Exercise Timing on Sleep Architecture and Nocturnal Blood Pressure, „Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research” 2015, 29(5), 1378–1385. Creasy S.A. et al., Effect of Morning and Evening Exercise on Energy Balance: A Pilot Study, „Nutrients” 2022, 14(4), epub. Ferrando A.A. et al., Testosterone injection stimulates net protein synthesis but not tissue amino acid transport, „American Journal of Physiology” 1998, 275(5), epub. Hill D.W., Morning–evening differences in response to exhaustive severe-intensity exercise, „Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism” 2013, 39(2), 248–254. Iwayama K. et al., Exercise Increases 24-h Fat Oxidation Only When It Is Performed Before Breakfast, „EBioMedicine” 2015, 2(12), 2003–2009. Saidi O. et al., Effect of morning versus evening exercise training on sleep, physical activity, fitness, fatigue and quality of life in overweight and obese adults, „Chronobiology International” 2021, 38(11), 1537–1548. Seo D. et al., Morning and evening exercise, „Integrative Medicine Research” 2013, 2(4), 139–144. Stutz J., Eiholzer R., Spengler Ch.M., Effects of Evening Exercise on Sleep in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis, „Sports Medicine” 2019, 49(2), 269–287. Vieira A.F. et al., Effects of aerobic exercise performed in fasted v. fed state on fat and carbohydrate metabolism in adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis, „British Journal of Nutrition” 2016, 116(7), 1153–1164. West. D.J. et al., The Influence of the Time of Day on Core Temperature and Lower Body Power Output in Elite Rugby Union Sevens Players, „Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research” 2014, 28(6), 1524–1528. Wheeler M.J. et al., Distinct effects of acute exercise and breaks in sitting on working memory and executive function in older adults: a three-arm, randomised cross-over trial to evaluate the effects of exercise with and without breaks in sitting on cognition, „British Journal of Sports Medicine” 2020, 54, 776–781.

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