Whether you let circumstance or preference determine your workout time, there are upsides to establishing a routine. While morning and midday workouts are fine, you shouldn’t discount night exercise. Here are the benefits of nighttime workouts.
We’ve all been there. You muster up the energy to hit the gym after a long day of work only to find it overcrowded with no equipment available. You’re already there and changed, so you just do what you can in what little time you have and end up completing a “meh” workout. But imagine strolling into a gym at nighttime when all those other people are having dinner, watching TV, or slipping into bed. You may have a gym buddy or two, but the space is much emptier after darkness falls. This gives you the flexibility and freedom to complete the workout routine you actually want to do, helping you stick to a consistent regimen that yields quick results.
While fitness scientists have trouble agreeing on many aspects of working out, they all agree that people sleep better when they’ve expended energy exercising, no matter when it is. If you’re nearing the late afternoon and you haven’t been to the gym yet, it’s better to go at night than not at all. In fact, nighttime workouts will expend that last bit of energy left in your body, helping you fall asleep faster.
Waking up is a challenge, especially on weekdays when work looms ahead. However, a solid nighttime workout before you hit the pillow will boost your mood as the sun rises. When you fall asleep exhausted from a workout, your body feels extra rested when you wake up. Suppose you go out for a nighttime bike ride. Sure, you need to be careful of obstacles and keep safety tips for night cycling in mind, but you’ll easily fall asleep. Imagine how refreshed your legs will feel after recharging through the night. Start working out at night and wake up refreshed every morning after.
Remember the benefits of nighttime workouts as you set your exercise schedule for the coming week. While you may have other engagements some nights, try to set a nighttime routine that includes a bit of exercise. With a bit of adjustment, you can make a permanent switch to late workouts that truly invigorate.