Morning vs. Evening Workout…What’s Better?
At Functional Elements Training & Nutrition in Creve Coeur, MO, one of the most common questions we hear is:
“Is it better to work out in the morning or in the evening?”
And honestly, the best answer is: it depends on you.
The right time to exercise comes down to your lifestyle, energy levels, and goals. Both morning and evening workouts offer unique benefits—and potential drawbacks.
Let’s break it down so you can choose the best time for your body and schedule:
BENEFITS OF MORNING WORKOUTS
If you're an early bird or want to build a consistent fitness routine, morning workouts might be your best move. Here’s why:
1. Jumpstart Your Metabolism
Morning workouts boost your metabolism and increase calorie burn throughout the day, thanks to the “afterburn effect” (EPOC).
2. Build a Consistent Routine
Getting your workout done early means fewer scheduling conflicts. No meetings, errands, or evening fatigue to throw you off.
3. Boost Mental Focus
Exercise releases feel-good hormones like endorphins. Starting your day with movement can improve mood, reduce anxiety, and enhance clarity.
4. Improve Sleep Quality
Studies show people who exercise in the morning often fall asleep faster and experience deeper rest.
5. Fewer Distractions at the Gym
Gyms tend to be quieter in the early hours—so you can train without waiting on equipment or feeling rushed.
MORNING WORKOUT CHALLENGES
Not a morning person? Waking up early can be tough.
Lower energy if training fasted or before full wakefulness.
Muscles may be stiff and require a longer warm-up.
BENEFITS OF EVENING WORKOUTS
Evening workouts offer flexibility and a performance edge—especially for night owls or anyone with a packed daytime schedule.
1. Enhanced Strength & Performance
Body temperature peaks in the evening, which can help improve strength, stamina, and reaction time.
2. Major Stress Relief
Unwind after a long day with an endorphin boost. It’s a powerful way to let go of tension and decompress.
3. Better Meal Timing
You’ll have all day to fuel up, which can support better performance and recovery.
4. Flexible Scheduling
For busy parents or professionals, the evening might be the only time to train—making it a more realistic long-term habit.
5. Sleep Benefits for Some
Moderate evening exercise has been linked to improved sleep in certain individuals—especially if workouts end at least an hour before bedtime.
EVENING WORKOUT CHALLENGES
After-work fatigue can lower motivation.
Gyms are typically more crowded.
Late-night training can interfere with sleep in sensitive individuals.
SO… MORNING OR EVENING? HERE’S THE BOTTOM LINE:
The best workout time is the one you can stick to.
Whether it’s 6am or 6pm, consistency is the key to real results.
At Functional Elements, we recommend trying both timeframes and paying attention to your energy, sleep, and performance.
Me? I’m a mid-morning guy—it’s when I feel my best.
NEED A PERSONALIZED FITNESS OR NUTRITION PLAN?
We’ll help you find a training time—and a routine—that works with your lifestyle and delivers results.
Based in Creve Coeur and serving the greater St. Louis area, we specialize in personal training, strength coaching, and nutrition support tailored to you.
Contact us today to get started.
And remember …
Give your body what it needs, when it needs it.
Tony Muyco III, CSCS, PPSC, PPSC*KB, CFSC
Partner & Director of Training
Functional Elements Training & Nutrition Center
314.401.5047
functionalelements@gmail.com
If you need a kickstart to get your fitness, nutrition and recovery program properly synched, we can help. It's what we do. Check out our 14-day 360° to get you motivated, educated and aligned with the very best Functional Elements Training & Nutrition has to offer over a period of just 14 days.
