Morning or evening workouts?
Is it better to workout in the morning or evening? Numerous studies have claimed one or the other, but without substance. However, Supreme Nutrition has collated all the information from reputable studies to provide you with the information you need on whether rising early or burning the midnight oil is the best.
Hormones:
Workout in the morning, and see your testosterone rise an extra 33%. The hormone, which fuels energy and muscle growth, peaks in the morning hours after waking – with levels a third higher on average.
Hit the gym at night and you’ll see a normal level of cortisol released into your body. The muscle eating hormone is a whole 75% higher in the morning hours than it is in the evening.
Sleep:
A study by the Applalachian State University found that gym goers who lift around 7am were able to shut down quicker and harder in the evening, and consequently produce more HGH (human growth hormone) than evening trainers.
However, the same study also found that those who trained late at night increased their body heat to such an extent that it promoted deeper sleep than no training at all.
Type of training:
The British Journal of Nutrition found in a study that cardiovascular exercise performed in the morning burned roughly 20% more fat than doing the same exercise in the evening.
A study in Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism illustrated that one’s anaerobic capacity is 7% higher after finishing work – so hit the weights in the evening to get that next PB.
Summary:
Morning workouts tend to provide extra energy, testosterone, increased metabolism and a deep sleep.
Evening workouts give you more time in bed in the morning (appealing), maximum strength and power, and the perfect chance to get away from the stresses of the working day.
Depending on what you want from your training, and your lifestyle, there are benefits to be had from both morning and evening workouts. If you’re enjoying the gym more than ever, why not treat yourself to both on one day – and if you’re content with one, try one session at the opposite time to when you currently work out.
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The Supreme Nutrition Team