(PCM) Stop forcing yourself to wake up at 5 am to squeeze in a workout – it could be doing more harm than good!
If morning workouts are your thing, then by all means, keep at it! Studies show that exercising before breakfast can help keep weight gain at bay, but if you’re losing sleep over it (literally), it’s not worth it. It’s more important for your health, weight loss efforts, and overall well-being to get at least 7 hours of good sleep than it is to squeeze in a workout.
Plus, moving your workout to later in the day, like after work, may actually help you lose more weight! According to Woman’s Day, your body temperature is at its highest in the late afternoon/early evening, and studies show that you burn more calories and fat at this time because your muscles are warm and your metabolism is higher. You can get similar effects of working out in the morning on an empty stomach by not eating anything 3 to 4 hours before your late afternoon workout.
Bottom line: The best time to exercise is when it’s best for you. If you’re a morning person and find that your workouts are most effective at 6 am, then great. If you’re not, there’s no reason to make yourself miserable over early morning workouts. Either way, try and find a routine that works best for you. It’s easier to stick to a workout regimen when you stick to the same time every day, and once you do, you’re workouts will be easier and much more enjoyable.
