What time of day is best to work out? 

The answer to this question varies from person to person and depends on many factors, including sleep, work and meal schedules, energy levels, and individual fitness goals. 

Morning

For some, working out first thing in the morning is a perfect start to the day. And if you’re someone who struggles to stick to a routine, regular morning exercise can be a great way to build consistency. By prioritizing movement shortly after waking up, you’ll remove the chance of obstacles or other obligations getting in the way. Research has also shown that the benefits of a morning workout extend beyond the early hours; you may experience better concentration and higher energy throughout the day. 

For the extra early risers – MINT opens at 5:30am Monday-Friday and 7am on Saturday and Sunday. These are often the quietest times at the gym, so if you prefer solitude, try arriving early. 

Midday 

By the afternoon, you might notice you’re more awake and alert, and your body feels looser and more warmed up. Midday can be an effective and efficient time to workout while building towards fitness goals. Most people are better fueled and more hydrated by the afternoon than they are first thing in the morning, which can contribute to a more productive workout. This can be a great time to try adding more weight, extra reps, or trying a HIIT or speed workout. Like earlier workouts, benefits like lowered stress and boosted metabolism can extend throughout the rest of the day. 

MINT offers classes between 11am and 12:30pm every day. Try one and see how a lunchtime workout makes you feel. 

Evening

5pm-7pm is one of the most popular times to come to the gym, and for good reason, an early evening exercise schedule has many benefits. Your body temperature rises throughout the day, which affects movement and flexibility. Your muscles may also be better warmed up from other activities throughout the day, reducing the risk of injury. Research has suggested that working in the late afternoon or early evening can improve sleep, leaving you recharged for the next day. 

Late night 

You’re not alone if you like working out later in the evening. Many people enjoy coming to the gym after the post-work rush. Some studies have found that exercising later in the evening, after your body has digested most of its meals for the day, can help stabilize blood sugar the following day. That said, if you find that exercising later at night affects your sleep, you might want to try a lower-intensity, low-impact activity like yoga or barre or trading the treadmill for the elliptical or stationary bike for cardio. 

MINT is open until 10pm Monday-Thursday and 9pm Friday-Sunday. Like the early hours, these later times tend to be less busy than midday or early evening. 

Ultimately, the best time to come to the gym is… whenever you can get there! If you’re planning to change your workout schedule – maybe try a morning class if you’re a night owl or a late-evening session for an early riser – give yourself time to adjust, and don’t expect your body to feel the same right away. It can take 3-4 weeks to regulate changes. You might also need to shift other parts of your schedule to ensure you’re getting adequate sleep, fuel, and hydration.  

What’s your favorite time of day to work out? Do you prefer taking group classes or getting your solo sweat on? Let us know, and as always – tag us in your sweaty selfies!