Are you a morning exerciser, or do you prefer to be in the night owls club? 

     Whether it be during primetime hours, pre-work in the am, or post-daytime adventure in the pm, understanding how and when our bodies work optimally can equip us with all we need to hit our desired goals faster. However that looks to each one of us! We’ll dive into all there is to know about optimizing training and why timing matters, so read on!

Circadian Rhythms

When it comes to finding the best time to exercise, it is important to understand the body’s natural sleep and wake time rhythms, also known as circadian rhythms. The body’s circadian clock involves a variety of powerful biological processes that remarkably govern our daily activities and behavior.

     But most importantly, these controlled rhythms can influence our physicality by regulating major body functions and energy levels. This is especially significant for athletes, as studies suggest that there exists a relationship between peak performance output and the timing of an athlete’s daily physical activity. An individual’s peak time for athletic accomplishments may differ depending on individual factors, such as lifestyle and sleep.

The Best Time, Biologically

The circadian rhythm is responsible for winding us up mentally and physically, making sure we are awake during the day and tired at night so that our bodies function at their optimum levels. It stands to reason then that athletes perform differently at different times of the day depending on the strength of their circadian rhythm. Generally speaking, athletic performance seems to be highest in the late afternoon and evening when circadian rhythms are in peak effect and lowest in the morning when the effects of this natural process have yet to kick in. This phenomenon is worth considering for anyone involved in intensive physical activity or any type of sport-based competition.