Exercise in the Morning, Evening, Suppertime?

Deciding on the right time and way to exercise could be called a timeless debate. While that may be true—and quite cliché—fitness experts say why make it a discussion at all? The truth is, trainers say, people really can exercise when they want to. The only matter of choice is what time you prefer to sweat it out.

A few key things to note, however, are the steps you take leading up to your workout plan. For example, if you are a morning person, make sure to allow yourself enough time to eat something before you hit the gym. Otherwise, exercising on an empty stomach will cause your body to break down muscle in order to have enough energy. On the other hand, if you are a night owl, try not to exercise too late; working out close to bedtime can disrupt sleep.

One thing fitness expert Dan Falkenberg does say to keep in mind is personal goals – this is where when you workout may play a part in accomplishing your fitness aspirations. If your goal is to see a large amount of strength or muscle mass improvement, Falkenberg says working out in the late afternoon or early evening will be most favorable because your muscles will be warmest then, and muscles are more able to perform when they are warm. Falkenberg says this is important to remember for morning workouts; be sure to give your body enough time to “wake up” before exercising.

Once you have all of those factors in place, you will be ready to kick into high-gear and get you butt out there—morning, noon or night!

We’re curious: What is your favorite time to workout and why? [Reuters]