Workout in the A.M. or P.M.

[skully]

So I was reading some stuff in http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/kelly3.htm and it says it's better to do weights later in the day as opposed doing cardio earlier in the day. Because doing weights at night keeps your metabolism up and longer?

Does it make a difference "when" you strength train?

[swanso5]

you want metabolism up and about during the day not when you're asleep

[skully]

you want metabolism up and about during the day not when you're asleep

So doing weights after being awake for one hour-2 hours is fine? And doing cardio later in the day?

My plan at the moment is

Weights in the morning 10 a.m.
Cardio in the late afternoon 4-6 p.m.

One of the weight days will also have cardio in the evening. 6 p.m.

Does that sound fine?

[swanso5]

fine

[ultimatehlth]

You're right to split your resistance and cardio for best results. I prefer doing resistance first so that I can lift heavier and harder. Be sure to warm-up well though because you're more prone to injury in morning workouts since you have not been active prior to exercise.

Los Angeles - Hollywood Personal Trainer

[JBesson]

I like to keep my training times to late afternoon, when I've had a chance to fit my meals in accordingly and when I am most mentally prepared to hit the weights. Some people prefer am to pm, I don't really think the benefits matter all the much if it when one way or another. From I've experience later workouts keep me up longer, and result in getting a lesser amount of sleep, hence lowering my metabolic rate.

[Wendy32]

I actually do my cardio first thing when I wake up before eating. I drink a glass of water or juice prior to my 10 minute warm-up, then do 20-30 minutes of moderate intensity cardio. This way your body starts revving up first thing and burning fat. Then in the afternoon I will do my weighttraining. I get tremendous results doing this routine!!

[scottgaran]

Just a quick comment on working out and "proper times." Try not to put too much thinking into working out. It's great that you are devoted, and really trying, but sometimes we can over think things. One thing that is often overlooked is the fact that we are individuals. Listen to your body. When I worked shift work, I wanted to train after I got off from midnight shift. The problem was, when I did, I had a crappy workout. I did better when I trained before my shift. Maybe some guru would say that was wrong, but it for me it worked. The important thing is to train. Set up your program, and stick with it for a month and see if it works. Often people keep changing things because the heard this or that, and never settle into a workout to see how the body responds. You are doing fine. I'm off my soapbox now!
Scott

[Bonnie]

Testosterone is highest in the morning, however Scott due to your sleeping pattern, perhaps yours was when you awoke later in the day...

[Boss Man]

The thinking for some was and probably still is in some cases, that the body fairs best around about 2-5 PM, because that is when the body should be most alert, for people using commonplace waking and sleeping times, so exercising between these times should theoretically have a more optimal performance yield.

However, it's when you can find the time, not when it might be physiologically best to do it. It's no use having that theoretical performance peak, if you cannot take advantage of it, due to commitments during that 3 hour time period, so it's a case of fit it into your life the best way you think you can and try not to worry about it.

[skully]

I agree with Boss Man, I do feel better exercing starting at 4:30 or so..but when I work I usually exercise bwteen 6:30-7 p.m.

[Bonnie]

There are morning people, then ones whom roll out of bed at noon.I'm a morning person, the thought of an afternoon workout is horrifying, evening would NEVER happen.

[Boss Man]

I've done afternoons, mornings and evenings before now. I would only never do early mornings or late evenings if it could be avoided. My Gym closes at 10 and I wouldn't be there until then, nor would I be in early doors. I did do that once around 8:30, but hopefully never again, as I got through it fine and could again, but it wasn't an ideal scenario.

[Bonnie]

I am at the gym by 7 am & the only sight I DON"T like to see is someone in MY squat rack Though seems there aren't that many rack people awake at that hour

[scottgaran]

The truth is there aren't actually that many rack people at all.