Morning vs. Evening Cardio

One popular query regarding cardio exercises is “What is the ideal time to work out—in the morning or the evening?” Some people love to wake up early, get their cardio done, and feel energized for the rest of the day. Others prefer to exercise in the evening, unwinding after a long day. Both approaches have their advantages, and the right choice often depends on your lifestyle, goals, and personal preferences. 

In this blog, we’ll compare the benefits and drawbacks of morning and evening cardio workouts to help you decide which is best for you! 

1. Boosts Energy Levels

One of the biggest benefits of morning cardio is that it can give you an instant energy boost. When you start your day with a workout, your body releases endorphins—those feel-good hormones that improve your mood and increase energy levels. This makes it easier to tackle your day with more focus and positivity.

2. Establishes Routine

Working out in the morning can help you establish a solid fitness routine. If you exercise first thing in the morning, you’re less likely to skip it later due to distractions or work commitments. Plus, many people feel more disciplined when they make their workout the first task of the day.

3. Burns Stored Fat

Morning cardio, especially on an empty stomach (often called “fasted cardio”), may help your body burn fat more efficiently. Since your body hasn’t had food for several hours, it taps into fat stores for energy, which can be helpful for those looking to lose weight.

4. Improves Mood

Cardio in the morning can also boost your mood for the rest of the day. Exercise reduces stress and anxiety, which can set a positive tone for the hours ahead. You may feel more accomplished and ready to take on daily challenges after completing your workout.

1. Stiff Muscles and Joints

When you wake up, your muscles and joints may feel stiff from hours of inactivity. Exercising in the morning can be more challenging for those who aren’t fully awake or haven’t had a proper warm-up. You might also feel more sluggish if you haven’t eaten or had water.

2. Early Wake-Up Time

To fit in a morning cardio session, you often have to wake up earlier than usual. This can be tough, especially if you’re not a morning person or don’t get enough sleep. Over time, sacrificing sleep can negatively impact your health and performance.

3. Low Performance Levels

For some, the body is not at its peak performance level in the morning. You may not feel as strong, fast, or motivated, leading to shorter or less intense workouts compared to what you might accomplish later in the day.

1. Better Performance

By the time evening rolls around, your body is fully awake and ready to move. Many people find they can lift heavier, run faster, or perform more intense cardio workouts in the evening because their muscles are warm and their energy levels are higher.

2. Stress Relief

Evening cardio can be a great way to blow off steam after a busy day. If you’ve had a stressful day at work or dealt with personal challenges, a cardio session can help you release tension, relax, and improve your mood before heading to bed.

3. More Flexibility with Time

In the evening, you might have more free time compared to the morning. After finishing work or daily responsibilities, you can dedicate more focus to your workout without feeling rushed. This might make your workouts more enjoyable and effective.

4. Social Aspect

Many people prefer evening workouts because gyms and fitness classes are often more lively during these hours. If you enjoy working out with friends or participating in group activities, evening cardio offers a social aspect that can keep you motivated and engaged.

1. Increased Fatigue

After a long day of work, you might feel too tired to work out. It’s easy to lose motivation in the evening, especially if your day was physically or mentally draining. This can lead to skipped workouts or less effort during your session.

2. Interference with Sleep

For some people, doing cardio too close to bedtime can interfere with sleep. High-intensity workouts increase heart rate and adrenaline levels, making it harder to wind down afterward. If you struggle to fall asleep, evening cardio may not be the best option.

3. More Distractions

Evening workouts often face more obstacles, such as last-minute work assignments, social events, or family obligations. These distractions can make it harder to stick to your fitness routine, and some days, you might have to cancel your workout altogether.

One of the most common reasons people do cardio is for weight loss. So, is morning or evening cardio better for burning fat? While morning fasted cardio is often touted as the better option, recent studies show that the time of day you exercise may not have a huge impact on weight loss. What’s more important is consistency and intensity.

If you enjoy morning cardio and can stick to it, then go for it! However, if you feel more energetic and perform better in the evening, you can still lose weight just as effectively. Finding a time that works for you to exercise regularly and with maximum intensity is crucial.

Still not sure whether morning or evening cardio is best for you? Here are a few suggestions to help you decide:

1. Listen to Your Body:

Pay attention to when you feel most energetic and motivated. If you’re naturally a morning person, early cardio might be your best option. If you’re more active in the evening, plan your workouts later in the day.

2. Consider Your Schedule:

Choose a time that fits your daily routine. If mornings are less chaotic, schedule your workouts then. If your evenings are more open, take advantage of that time.

3. Test Both Times:

Try doing cardio in the morning for a week, and then switch to evening workouts for a week. See which one feels better and is easier to stick to.

4. Prioritize Consistency:

Whether it’s morning or evening, the most important thing is consistency. Stick to a schedule that works for you and aim for regular workouts, regardless of the time.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to the question of whether morning or evening cardio is better. Both have their unique benefits and drawbacks, and the “best” time to work out depends on your personal preferences, schedule, and fitness goals. The good news is that as long as you’re getting your cardio done and staying consistent, you’ll see results.

So, whether you’re a morning person or a night owl, the most important thing is to find a routine that works for you and stick to it. Happy cardio training!