What's the Best Time of Day to Workout?

Researchers have been studying, though, the benefits of exercising in the morning vs. later in the day.
A new study found that subjects who were put on a high-fat diet and worked out before breakfast gained no weight after six weeks, while those who worked out after breakfast gained 3 pounds (those who didn't exercise at all gained 6 pounds).  The Benefits to Exercising Before Breakfast


Some people, though, can't exercise on an empty stomach in the morning so that makes doing this more challenging.  If I find I need something in the morning when I exercise, I grab a handful of almonds or a piece of string cheese.  You have to find what works for you.
 
Here is what is said about MORNING EXERCISE:
 

 
Pros: You kick-start your metabolism -- especially if you strength train -- so you burn more calories throughout the day.


Cons: Your muscles are more rigid, and your body needs fuel. Start your workout with 5 to 10 minutes of light walking to get the blood pumping and warm up the muscles (they're like taffy -- as they heat up, they get more pliable). In terms of breakfast, it is recommended eating a small snack or a piece of fruit such as a banana before your workout. Then, within an hour of completing your sweat session, your should chow down on 15 to 20 grams of protein (trail mix, yogurt with almonds or a whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter) to replenish and rebuild your muscles.

*Note:  EVERY workout should begin with a warmup that gets blood pumping into your larger muscle groups.  Your stretching should be done AFTER the workout.
Morning Exercise--Great read!!
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Here's what is said about AFTERNOON EXERCISE:

Pros: According to experts who study circadian rhythms -- the natural highs and lows we experience throughout the day -- body temperature generally peaks between 2 and 4, which may make your muscles more pliable, so you perform better with a lower risk of injury.


Cons: Working out too close to bedtime may leave you too amped up to get a good night's sleep. And as you go through your day and responsibilities tend to pile up, working out is more likely to fall off the to-do list.

What is MY preference?
I prefer doing weights/strength training in the morning.  I do best doing cardio in the afternoons.  I do tend to have more energy in the afternoon and can put a lot more effort into the workout thus getting maximum benefits.

So...when is the best time to exercise?
The simple answer is simply whenever you will DO it and stick with it.  Find what works for you, SCHEDULE it like you would anything else in your day.  My workouts go on my "to-do" list.  They are non-negotiable. 

If you would like help or guidance in planning your workout times, please contact me on Facebook at www.facebook.com/natalierwelch or email me at nataliewelch@cebridge.net

How Can a Workout Give YOU So Much Energy?

        So how can a workout give you so much energy?  If the music is pumping and the workout is so much fun, you will be amazed at how you feel during and after.  I am writing this tonight following a Turbo Fire workout.  The music in Turbo workouts is off the chain. It makes you want to just shake it!!  LOL
The workout was Fire 45, one of my favorites.  It has 3 HIIT workouts which are anaerobic drills to get your heart really pumping.  My all-time favorite part of the workout is the song, BOOM! I GOT YOUR BOYFRIEND!!  Talk about working up a sweat, burning calories, and releasing a ton of endorphins!! 
       I absolutely LOVE it, when Chalene Johnson tells you to JUMP HIGHER, KICK HIGHER...GET DOWN LOW....YOUR NOT TIRED!!  CAN YOU DO MORE???  Talk about motivation!!  It's like she knows that maybe you're not putting your all into it and when she says those trigger phrases, it puts a whole new perspective on your workout.  I find myself talking back to her saying "Yes, I can jump higher.  Watch me kick. I'm getting LOW!  NO, I'm not tired at all.  ABSOLUTELY, I can do more!!  That's where your mind is your motivator to make your workout at a LEVEL 10. 
      Tonight, I decided to add the workout gloves and I'm telling you this makes the workout so much different.  You burn MORE calories. You are working more muscles.  I could really feel it in my core tonight.  If you are looking to make your workout tougher, which you should, or just to switch things up a bit, I highly recommend these gloves.

The gloves weigh .75 lb each and can be ordered from www.beachbodycoach.com/nataliewelch

If you are having trouble find a workout that you can stick with, please let me help you.  You won't be consistent if you don't enjoy your workouts.  Workouts should be challenging, but you also have to find something about them that will motivate you to stick with it.  If you know me, you know Turbo workouts are my thing!  These are a dance-style cardio-kickboxing workouts. The music is FANTASTIC and Chalene Johnson is so motivational.  This style isn't for everyone, but there are so many different ones out there to try.  So if you are lacking energy and are tired of feeling BLAH, it's time to get movin'!!!

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On a side note...I am switching things up with my diet this week just to see the difference.  Instead of having Shakeology at lunch while I'm at work, I'm having it about 4:30 when I get home.  Then I'm drinking LOTS of water.  It seems to be really making a difference.  Not only am I having more energy, I can really tell it's flushing out my system and making me feel better overall.  Shakeology is absolutely AMAZING stuff!  If you are seriously interested in Shakeology, I have a few samples I can send out to people.  Just email me your address at nataliewelch@cebridge.net or go to my Facebook page at www.facebook.com/natalierwelch and send me a private message.