AM or PM? benefits of exercise in the afternoon

While most people would like to kick-start their day with morning exercise, it’s not always that feasible - and that's ok. Not everyone rolls out of bed full of energy and motivation, especially when experiencing pain and stiffness. Studies show that your core body temperature is at its lowest in the mornings, causing a more protracted process when warming and waking up the body. Whether you miss a workout in the morning or are just not feeling up to it, there are various benefits to exercising in the afternoon. 

Five benefits that will make you want to crush an afternoon workout:

Shorter Warm-Up Period
Due to core body temperature reaching peak level later in the day, many find it easier to break into their exercise routine faster. If you are someone who finds themselves sitting at a desk all day, it is still wise to start with a warm-up to loosen up your muscles and joints. However, it is a great benefit if you're looking for a quick workout during your lunch break or before you head home. 

Improved Physical Performance
If you find that you function better in the second half of the day, it may be because skeletal muscle and physical strength peak in the afternoon and low-energy sensitive signaling peaks in the morning.  ​

Helps Relieve Stress 
Exercising in the afternoon can help you blow off steam after a long workday. Research shows that exercise reduces adrenaline and cortisol levels. Still thinking about that one email or phone call that ticked you off today? Luckily, when exercising, the body triggers the production of endorphins, which allows for a change in mood and release of stress. ​

Gain a Second Wind
More often than not, when we get home from a long day, we are met with additional tasks like cooking dinner or laundry that seem almost impossible at the time. Opting for an afternoon workout can give you that boost of energy you need to get you through the rest of your day. Research shows exercise decreases fatigue by 65% and increases energy by 20%. So, if you struggle with mid-day fatigue, afternoon exercise is the solution to keeping you on your feet. ​

Motivates Healthier Habits
Are you finding that your healthy habits fall short when you get home after a long day? Exercising in the afternoon is a great substitution for mindless habits like TV-watching, binge snacking, drinking, or internet scrolling. When you get home from a workout, you’ll find yourself more energized, in a better mood, and ready to dive into more productive habits like cooking a nourishing meal or catching up with family.

While the popular vote might go to morning exercise, we believe it’s essential to consider the benefits of afternoon exercises, as well. You never know when something may come up in the morning to disrupt your scheduled workout. Instead of postponing until tomorrow, now you can squeeze in a later exercise, knowing it’s just as beneficial. In the long run, any exercise is better than no exercise at all!

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Longevity Living, an aspirational lifestyle blog by Longevity Fitness Charleston, is your source for all things fitness, nutrition and wellness. Be sure to subscribe to our weekly newsletter for scroll-worthy articles, must-watch videos from our expert trainers, studio updates & more.