Most People Work Out in the Evening. But Is It the Best Time for Our Bodies?

The most-popular time for Americans to exercise is 6 p.m.

But are evening workouts better than morning?

Heres what science says.

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Im an Exercise PhysiologistHeres Why You Shouldnt Worry About Cortisol Spikes When You Do HIIT Workouts.

woman sweating in the gym

Louisa Nicola is a neurophysiologist and human performance coach.

But are evening workouts better than morning ones?

After all, we hear so much about the upsides of exercising early in the day.

Louisa Nicola is a neurophysiologist and human performance coach.

Woman walking on a treadmill at the gym.

For certain goals, however, when you work out is a factor to consider.

Studies also show links betweenmorning workouts and lower blood pressurein people with hypertension.

Full body female athlete in sportswear using rowing machine during fitness workout in gym.

Heres What Experts Say

It helps prime yourcircadian clock, she says.

Happy woman dancing and listening to music near a green empty wall outdoor in the city.

But, if evenings are the only time you could exercise, thats all right.

The key is understanding how to tweak your p.m. routine so that it doesnt mess with your sleep.

The entire circadian rhythm may be disrupted as well, depending on the time you eat dinner.

Healthy female training in the gym, performing a hip thrust.

You dont want to be working out at 9 p.m., whether its cardio or weights.

So what does this mean for the majority of American exercisers?

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A young black woman doing post-run stretches in the park on the road amidst green grass and trees.