Is there a best time to workout?

You can add this one to the list of questions clients repeatedly ask me (I even wondered about this way before I became a trainer).  The answer is much easier than you might think.  The long, tricky answer: you should workout when your body is at its warmest.

Our bodies follow a circadian rhythm, an internal clock that is most affected by sunlight (that's why even though we want to sleep in on weekends, we wake up at the crack of dawn).  With that rhythm comes temperature fluctuations: our bodies fluctuate about 2 degrees at any given time.  Studies show that we are at our strongest, most alert at the higher body temperatures.  However, these temperatures occur at mid-afternoon, when most of us trying to get our second winds at work.  In order to find your peak temperature, take your temperature every few hours for 5 to 6 consecutive days.   

I can hear the grumbling now.  That is why I'm a bigger fan of the short answer: it all depends how you're feeling.

If you're a morning person and you're feeling spunky as soon as you roll out of bed, go for that morning run or boot camp class.  If you're feeling peppy after leaving the office, go hit the weights or the evening spin class. 

Most importantly, listen to what your body is telling you.  Your best time could change every few weeks/months.  However, if you're not "feeling" a workout in the moring or at night, take a day off.  Its OK.  Rest does a body good.  Just don't make a habit of it: one day off could easily turn into a week off.  If you're still not feeling a workout after a few days, this is the time to dig deep and motivate yourself: an unmotivated workout is better than no workout at all.

Enjoy your weekend!!