Advantages and disadvantages of working out after 8pm

As a self-proclaimed morning person, I decided to challenge my routine and become a “fitness owl” by switching my exercise to the evening. Armed with the knowledge that cortisol levels are higher in the morning and that evening exercise can have numerous benefits, I embarked on a week of evening workouts to see how it would affect my sleep and overall fitness.

On Monday, I attended a yoga class in the evening, opting for a slower and more calming form of exercise to ease into my new routine. Despite feeling frustrated by the slowness of yoga in the morning, I found it to be a welcome relief after a long day of work and childcare. The study showing improved bone density and reduced stress levels from yoga only reinforced the benefits of this practice.

Tuesday brought a different challenge as I went for a run after my son’s bedtime. While the evening run was invigorating, I found it difficult to wind down afterwards and struggled to fall asleep. Learning that moderate intensity exercise is more conducive to sleep, I realized the importance of timing and intensity when it comes to evening workouts.

Dr. Amos Ogunkoya reassured me that any form of exercise is beneficial, regardless of the time of day. Whether it’s cardiovascular exercise in the morning or weight training in the evening, staying active is key to preventing chronic diseases. So, while I may not fully convert to a fitness owl, I now understand the importance of balancing my workouts with my sleep schedule for optimal health.