Bangkok--5 Apr--FRANCOM ASIA
Are you too busy to work out? Is it too difficult to find the right time to exercise? The most common excuse for skipping out on a fitness routine is 'lack of time' but sometimes it can also be pinned down to a lack of motivation or a lack of enjoyment. But busy as we claim to be, why do we have less trouble spending hours on Facebook, chatting and sending stickers via LINE and uploading pictures of our latest food finds on Instagram? With some determination, you can really put those things aside and switch to a more positive mindset.
Samantha Clayton, Senior Director, Worldwide Fitness Education at Herbalife, stresses the importance of squeezing in some type of exercise into your schedule. It just takes a little bit of planning so you can find your optimal performance window. "Our bodies have a natural rhythm formed through a combination of habits and routines. Some people are morning people and others are slow to get going regardless of what time they went to bed the night before. When it comes to physical fitness, I believe your body has an optimal window when it performs at its best. To find your own perfect workout time, listen to your body and make notes after your workouts," she suggests.
Samantha explains that having energy and feeling good is essential if you want to have a successful workout. To find your optimal performance window, do an evaluation over a few weeks and ask yourself one key question: when do you feel you have the most energy? Here are her tips on finding your own perfect time to work out:
Are you a morning person?
Morning workouts are preferable because this is a time when your body is fully rested, your nervous system is firing on all cylinders and your mind is fresh. It makes sense that if your muscles are well rested then you will be able to push a little bit harder in the gym.
Morning workouts are perfect if…
– you're a morning person. Try to schedule your workout in the early hours before you become tired from your daily activities. If you have a demanding schedule, fitting a fitness blast early into your day will prevent other tasks from getting in the way of your activity plans.
Morning workouts are wrong if…
– you fall into the morning-grouch category, are slow to get moving, and feel groggy or clumsy in the early hours. Avoid putting yourself through the additional stress of a morning workout and choose a different time of the day, when you are more awake, to get active.
Are you ready for an afternoon gym session?
Afternoon workouts are perfect if…
– you get a second wind or an energy boost in the afternoon. Taking advantage of this window by getting active is a great idea! Afternoon workouts are especially effective if you tend to feel energized after performing activity – it could boost your productivity and brainpower for the remainder of the day.
Consider adding a healthy late-morning snack if you want to work out at lunchtime or in the early afternoon. You need to fuel yourself properly to be able to keep going all day long.
Afternoon workouts are wrong if…
– you lose most of your energy by early evening. For example, many working parents use their lunch break for workouts because other times of the day impact family time. However, people who fall into this group also find that they hit a tired time at around 5-7 pm. If this sounds like you, then try an early morning or late night workout instead.
Use your lunch break to enjoy a magazine or spend some quality down time with a friend. The feeling of being constantly on-the-go can cause stress which in turn could lead to late night snacking and weight gain.
Do you feel most awake in the evening?
Late night workouts are perfect if…
– you're a night owl who feels most alert in the evening or while the rest of the world is sleeping. If this is the case, save your exercise time for the evening hours. This can be a great time to exercise because it can help you to get rid of the stress from the day and unwind while taking care of your body. Ending the day with a blast of physical activity may also help you to sleep more soundly.
Late night workouts are wrong if…
– you feel exhausted at the end of the day. In this case, it is better to rest than to indulge in a hard training session. Performing strenuous physical activity when you are tired increases your risk of injury and you need to be alert during workouts, especially if you intend to use weights. If this is the only time you can find for exercise during the day, opt for a more gentle form of exercise such as walking or a relaxing yoga class and save your intense workouts for the weekends or times when you are more alert.
Samantha's tips are practical and easy to follow. She concludes her useful advice by adding, "The perfect time to work out is different for everyone. Select the time that best suits your body and your lifestyle.Finally, always ensure you are adequately fueled for your chosen activity. Replenish well and rest your body after each work out for optimal results."
*This article is brought to you by Herbalife in line with its mission of providing nutrition for a better life and promoting healthy, active lifestyles.