Afternoon Workout Routine

Forget about morning and evening workouts! According to a recent issue of Spa Magazine, working out in the afternoon is better for you.

The air resistance in your lungs is lower in the afternoon, making it easier for air to circulate as you execute dance and aerobic workout routines. Draw a big heart in your workout plan grid when you pencil in 2 p.m. and try your swimming, aquatics workout, or mountain biking workout program in the afternoon.

*If you enjoy hot California weather year-round, remember that UVA and UVB strength is still high around 2 p.m. PST so include the note, “need extra sunblock,” in your workout plan.

All in all, a vigorous morning exercise routine can be easier to adjust to and just makes you feel good to face your day. So now, you may be thinking that you should definitely hit your workouts first thing. However, there are a few drawbacks to early workouts. These include:

Low body temperature when you first wake up
Decreased levels of blood flow in the morning could lead to more muscle injuries
Decreased blood flow also makes you feel tired and listless so it can be hard to get started if you just are not a morning person.
Lower glycogen levels after fasting also contribute to the tired feeling
Increased blood flow and body temperature in the afternoon increases your strength and endurance for training, leading to better results
Working out later in the day can lead to better, deeper sleep

As we know, muscles are broken down under the stress of exercise. When we sleep, they are rebuilt, and if we have a lifestyle conducive of an anabolic state, they grow back bigger and stronger. A simple and sound approach to recovery is to get at least eight hours of quality sleep every night.

Another basic goal of recovery is to minimize stress outside of working out. Worrying and that kind of chronic mental stress takes a good deal of energy, the same energy we want to use for growing bigger. Also, for those that have the time, techniques such as stretching, massages, and hot/cold contrast baths also aid recovery, reduce stress, and should definitely be looked into.