So, trying to squeeze workouts into a busy life (marriage, kids, job, etc…) continues to be a challenge. Sometimes the only time I can get in my second or only workout in for the day is 9 - 10:00 at night…which means I usually hit the bed right after.
Are there any downsides to late evening workouts, and what are they?
I think we can all agree that the best time to get a workout in, is whenever you can fit it in…but I am just curious if there are any issues which are particular to late night workouts – any problems that they create versus daytime sessions (quality, recovery, nutrition, meal intakes, flexibility).
I face a lot of the same responsibilities as you i.e. family,kids, business… My only problem is trying to get to sleep after getting my system all cranked up. If you’re not having problems with that, then don’t worry about it. Hey if that is the only time you can fit it in then the only other choice is to not work out all… What about getting up earlier?
I’m in exactly the same boat. My biggest issue is getting motivated to work out at that hour, even though often that’s my only chance. I’m definitely NOT a morning person, so that’s out. I don’t think I could even get my HR out of zone 1 before about 10 am. Workouts at lunch are exhilarating and thoroughly enjoyable, but if I can’t do that, or if I’m shooting for a second workout, the evening one is always a chore. (probably because it’s always on the trainer or dreadmill after the kid goes to bed. No problems sleeping, though. A few tips- don’t eat a big dinner or you’ll NEVER get moving. Find something that get’s you going, like an old IM DVD or Spinervals or some Metallica. Also, I find if I watch TV while I’m digesting I can’t get motivated, but if I pick up an old Triathlete mag or Gordo’s new book and peruse that for a while I can usually get all fired up for that late night workout.
The conclusion, then, is that we each should know ourselves. I am decidedly a morning person. I run every morning at 6:00 or 6:30. I alternate swimming and cycling in the late afternoons. I can’t get myself up for an evening workout. Almost impossible. Then, I go to be early. At age 58, with 10 hours of training per week, I need lots of sleep. (You all do, but when you’re young, you can get away with a little less.) So I start to get ready at 9:00 p.m.! After I putter around getting ready, doing a little reading, listening to music, and maybe watching SportsZone on OLN, I hit the sack. I usually wake up the next morning between 5:15 and 5:45 without an alarm (yes, I set one, just in case).
So we’re all different, aren’t we? And of course, I happen to marry a night owl (ugh!).
Thanks for the feedback. I don’t really have much of a problem getting motivated for the night workouts. Even though my least favourite time to workout is first thing in the morning, I routinely do 6:00am sessions before work.
I was more concerned about the times where it’s more “conveinient” to do the night workouts, yet I could get some earlier sessions in if I pushed it, but I try to not let my excercising be too intrusive on my work and family life.
I had thought it may be causing problems. For example: Usually after working out, I will re-fuel, and because I would eat a light dinner, I usually will have additional food – because I’m hungry. It can’t be good to hit the bed so soon after eating, but hope its not costing me too much in additional weight. :=)