Morning vs. Evening Workouts: Which is More Effective for Fat Loss?
When it comes to shedding fat and improving fitness, one of the most common debates is whether to work out in the morning or evening.
Both have their unique benefits, but the best time to exercise for fat loss ultimately depends on your body’s natural rhythm and lifestyle.
Exercising in the morning has been shown to have several advantages when it comes to fat loss. After a night of fasting, your body’s glycogen stores are lower, meaning your body is more likely to tap into fat as a source of energy.
Morning workouts also boost your metabolism for the day, helping you burn more calories throughout the day even when you're at rest—this is called afterburn or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC).
Additionally, working out in the morning can enhance consistency, as you get your exercise out of the way early, leaving less room for distractions later.
On the flip side, evening workouts offer their own unique benefits. Research shows that the body’s core temperature naturally rises in the evening, which can improve muscle function and increase strength and endurance.
This means that evening workouts may be more effective for high-intensity or strength-based exercises, allowing you to work out harder and potentially burn more calories in the process.
Evening exercise also has the benefit of being a stress reliever after a busy day. A great workout can help release pent-up tension, leading to better sleep and overall recovery, both of which play an important role in fat loss.