Traditionally, experts have recommended not exercising at night as part of good sleep hygiene. However, a small study, published in Sports Medicine suggests that some people can exercise in the evening as long as they avoid vigorous activity for at least one hour before bedtime.
Yes, working out at 9 or 10 PM is generally fine, but it depends on your personal schedule and how your body responds to exercise at that time. Here are some factors to consider: Sleep Quality: For some people, exercising too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep.
Why is late-night training good for you? Research has shown that some people can last up to 20% longer when exercising in the evenings and at a higher intensity, meaning that you'll likely find more energy for cardio and strength training in the nighttime hours, rather than first thing in the morning.
Yes, it's perfectly fine. Don't worry about it at all. People work out at all times of the day and night. As long as you feel good enough to work out, you're good to go!
Quietest days of the week to go to the gym: On all weekday mornings it is not as busy as the highest point in the evening, but still a peak time is between 9am and 10am. Quietest hours to use the gym on any day of the week: Between 9pm and 5am. Quietest times during the weekday daytime to visit: Between 1pm and 4pm.
Evening Peak (5 PM - 9 PM)
This is the prime time for most gym-goers, especially those who work traditional office hours. The gym typically remains busy until about 9 PM, as many people finish their workday and head straight to the gym.
Overall, the experts agree: Exercising in the morning is the best time of day to work out for logistical, effective and health reasons. When it comes to weight loss, a 2023 study published in the journal Obesity found exercising between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. could help.
However, you must allow time lag between exercise and bathing. The most important thing you can do after a workout is to cool down to get your heart rate and body temperature back to normal. After cooling down for at least 20 minutes, then you can decide to take a shower.
When your body temperature remains elevated you are very likely to have trouble sleeping. Exercise elevates body temperature, and cooling the body becomes increasingly difficult when you are inadequately hydrated. Some level of dehydration is highly likely following long endurance events lasting more than 4-5 hours.
If you're wondering about weight gain from sleeping post-exercise, rest assured that sleep is a crucial part of recovery and does not directly lead to weight gain. Getting adequate sleep is essential to a healthy lifestyle and can contribute to overall well-being, including weight management.
Sleep is another consideration when debating “how late is too late.” One 2023 study in the journal Cureus found that 90 minutes or more of moderate-to-vigorous exercise in the evening was associated with poorer sleep quality. The researchers suggest people finish their workouts a whopping four hours before bedtime.
But there's really no bad time to exercise, Hackney reiterates, and the most important thing is finding the time to do so, whenever works for you. “If you will do it in the morning, do it. If you will do it in the evening, do it,” Hackney says.
Time It Right
You can have tummy troubles if you chow down right before. That's because more blood goes to your muscles during exercise, leaving less for digestion. After exercise, your body is ready to refuel and rebuild muscle tissue. Eat or drink within an hour of finishing.
If you drink chilled water, there is a temperature mismatch that takes a toll on your digestive health. Your body also finds it difficult to absorb cold water after a workout. Drinking chilled water right after a workout may lead to chronic stomach pain as extremely cold water shocks your body.
Post-exercise, your body undergoes repair and rejuvenation, and a nap can help in muscle recovery and fatigue reduction. It can also help replenish your energy levels. However, it's important to keep naps short—typically around 20-30 minutes—to avoid entering deep sleep cycles which might leave you feeling groggier.
You may be thinking that a late-night workout will have you so energized you won't be able to slow down when it's time to go to sleep — but the opposite is actually true! According to The Washington Post, exercise helps you sleep deeper and longer, no matter what time of day you exercise.
Research shows that testosterone levels rise for short periods of time after exercise — ranging from 15 minutes to one hour, depending on the man. Younger men get a bigger post-exercise boost. Testosterone levels also vary throughout the day; levels are typically higher in the morning and lower in the afternoon.
Exercising in a fasted state may burn some quick body fat, but it's not the best option for your body in the long-run. Eat a small snack or meal before and after your workout to ensure that you're properly fueled to perform your best in the gym and recover quickly when you get home.
Traditionally, experts have recommended not exercising at night as part of good sleep hygiene. However, a small study, published in Sports Medicine suggests that some people can exercise in the evening as long as they avoid vigorous activity for at least one hour before bedtime.
You're depriving your muscles of the amino acids they need to rebuild and recover. You're not replenishing the stored glucose (glycogen) in your muscles which can lead to further muscle breakdown. You'll get hungry a few hours later and likely overeat at that later meal.