Early Bird or Night owl?

[SunsetRunner]

                                                      

So I'm about to switch to morning workouts since I have not been very constant with staying at gym after work (I end up going out, there is a concert I want to go to, get in some extra hours at work, simply tired and want to go home) . I ended up wondering, is there an ideal time to get your exercise done? I have been listening to different opinions on this and I wanted to hear what the Fitbit Community thinks as well. 

Here is a little extra info from webMD I found interesting.

What is your input on this? 

[SunsetRunner]

@Frank_fit That alternative also seems really nice!

My schedule is different and I get out at 9PM so it is easier for me before my shift but if I went out earlier that would definitely be my choice.

Happy workout!

[EmersonFitbit]

Thanks for the article!

During the month of September (or Steptember as the company called it), I got up at 4AM every work day, and I liked to have 10K steps by 530. I showed up to work at 8AM with about 15-17K steps from M-F.

I think habit plays a huge role in exercise. Sure, the first few mornings were tough, but once I made a habit of going to bed at about 9, and waking up at 4, it was a bit easier. Needless to say, I've had plenty of rest this month so far. 

In case anyone's wondering: 

• ~700,00 steps in September
• -6 lbs

[SunsetRunner]

@EmersonFitbit Getting to bed at 9 would be impossible for me but maybe I will manage if I set as an objective to sleep before midnight. 

It's all about getting good habits as you say. Unfortunately I've been picking rather not so good ones. 

See you around!

[firefighter17]

As a nightshift person, I workout when ever my schedule permits. I have found it really makes no difference to me.

[VivisFitbit]

Hi there!  I do prefer doing my home activities in the morning, that gives me more time for any aditional thing I want to do during the night.   

[DavideFitbit]

I' m also a night shift person @firefighter17, I also find no difference, but when possible I prefer to workout in the mornings because of my schedule. 

[SantiR]

Going on my bike at night after work... Guess that makes me a night owl. 

[art435]

On school days, (I work in a public school), I typically start my run at 0330 and run for an hour before getting ready for school.   Of cource it's dark, so I am quite illuminated !   My position in the school requires a lot of class to class walking and almost every day, that accounts for an additional 10 to 12,000 steps.

[WendyB]

Woot @art435

[WendyB]

@EmersonFitbit Woot!

[DavideFitbit]

That's a busy schedule @art435, but I would prefer to be able to move around at work and be able to walk more, I have and office job that requires me to be sitting most of the time.       

[EmersonFitbit]

Very nice! Are you in the physical education department? I can't really think of a school job that would account for so many steps! Good on you though! @art435

Also, what timedo you finish your day? 3:30 sounds insane!

[art435]

I'm a sign language interpreter and I go from one class to another in a large multi level school.  I am from one end of the building multiple times during the day.  So lots of walking and stairs.   Also I usually walk about 1.5mi (2.4km) during my mid day break.  Also things such as parking at the far end of the car park and any other opportunity I can think of.

I usually arrive home from work around 1600 and go to bed around 2000 - 2030.   When I am training for a long run, (10k - 21K) I typically run 6 days a week.   Now I am backing off and resting so only running 3 to 4 days a week.   I do add weight training and spin after school.  I've been doing Beachbody "Beast" 2 to 3 afternoons a week.  Also on the weekends after a morning run I go for long hikes with my girlfriend in the afternoon - those are usually 5 - 7+ miles (3km to 4.5km +).  So pretty much early morning runs and light afternoon workouts of different sorts

I started Sept 2014 at 118kg (260lbs) and am now (late Nov 2015) 74.85kg (165lbs).  I'm happy with my weight - working hard now to get rid of "jiggle belly"

Going to bed early was a decision to either watch mindess television and stay awake late and continue an unhealthy life style or commit to a way to develop a healthy life style and quite being fat and lazy.

[WendyB]

@art435  You have done great! Congrats!

[DavideFitbit]

That's such a cool job @art435!  congratulations for the way you've managed to organize your time, it's a great schedule, I'm sure you'll be able to reach all your goals very soon. 

[art435]

EmersonFitbit

Habit is really the key !  You are so correct !  

Also, sometimes my mind tells me -"you really don't want to run this morning"  I always try to counter with "but I always feel good that I did the run when I'm finished" 

[Yvetteb]

My schedule is different every week for school and work. I try to look at my schedule at the beginning of the week and plan my workouts. I also log them in my calender and set an alarm 

[DavideFitbit]

That's a good phrase @art435, that happens to me all the time and I do feel better if I workout. Habit is really the key! 

[fitmissjen]

Afternoon for me.

I really struggle to drag my butt out of bed in the mornings. And since i start work at 8am, i would really have to be up at at least 5.30am to be done and ready in time for work....no, no, no...

[art435]

When I arrive at school and I see the way too many obese teachers and students, I know they were sleeping while I was doing  something this morning to be healthy and happy.