When it comes to building muscle mass, it’s important that you train regularly. But is there a best time of day to do so? And if so, does it matter what time you hit the gym?
Morning workouts may be more effective for a number of reasons. First, your body has fasted overnight and is more likely to burn stored fat for energy during your exercise. Additionally, working out in the morning gives your metabolism a post-workout boost, meaning that you’ll continue burning calories at a higher rate for hours after your session is over.
One other benefit of morning workouts is that your muscles are already warm. This can lead to greater performance, especially if you’re doing a combination of strength and endurance training. However, this advantage isn’t universal — a 2005 study comparing nighttime and morning training found that evening workouts resulted in greater gains in muscle mass than morning sessions did.
It’s also important to remember that the quality of your training is more important than the exact timing of your workouts. Evening sessions can actually be better for some people, and many athletes prefer them if they have trouble waking up in the morning.
When you do choose to train in the morning, be sure to start with a light cardio warmup to get your blood pumping. A few minutes of jumping jacks, lunges and reaching side bends can help to elevate your heart rate before hitting the weights.
Finally, it’s essential that you fuel up for your workouts with a protein-rich breakfast. You’ll need the energy to power through your workout and the protein will help prevent muscle loss during the anabolic (building) phase of your training.
Another benefit of a morning workout is that it can help you avoid the stressors of the day, which can interfere with your muscle-building goals. Whether it’s a to-do list, a meeting with your boss or a text from a friend, these distractions can throw off your whole routine. But if you’re already at the gym, you can just roll with whatever challenges come your way at that point.
In the end, it really doesn’t matter what time of day you train — as long as you do it regularly! The important thing is that you find a schedule and a routine that works for you. But if you’re considering making a change, it might be worth trying out a morning workout for a few weeks to see how your results compare with an evening training session. You might be surprised at the difference it makes. Good luck! And don’t forget to drink your pre-workout to boost your results. Try a new flavor of Grenade Thermo Detonator for added metabolic and fat-burning benefits.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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