Ask HN: What time do you prefer to exercise?

8 points by varrock 4 years ago | 11 comments

While this may seem like a trivial distinction, I've come to learn it shapes the structure of my day, while also affecting my energy levels. I'd be curious to hear what has/hasn't worked for you guys.

PaulHoule 4 years ago |

Depends.

At the peak of summer I might get up at 5:15 am and feel unable to go back to bed and go for a six mile hike, then go to work. Around 7pm I go hike another six miles.

The weather is worse so I am going to the gym, the main thing on my mind is crowding. I like going on weekends but I can only get one lifting session in. After work Planet Fitness is crazy crowded. I am mostly going after work these days but I've had some of my best workouts when I got up really early and started at 6am. (Like the time I dropped a friend off at the airport) I should either do that more often or I should see if the gym at work is less crowded. In the after work time I am trying to also fit in other things because I need more social connections and the gym is the absolute worst in terms of people being defended -- it sounds crazy but I think I am better off going to happy hour and drinking a few non-alcoholic beers.

Last summer we had group fitness classes at my work and these are about to start again. I find these are a lot of fun but if I want to do them I have to fit my schedule to what's available.

Jtsummers 4 years ago |

Swimming (when I've done it regularly) before work.

Weights, rowing, running, cycling, yoga, BJJ after work.

Bodyweight exercises throughout the workday (aiming for about 5 minutes every hour as part of my "get up and stretch" routine).

I am not limber in the morning and find swimming is the only exercise I can do that doesn't cause me more problems when done in the morning (after some stretching). Everything else, after work. For cycling, because I don't want a time limit on my rides. For everything else, because I'm finally loose enough to actually do the exercises without risk of injury.

lnwlebjel 4 years ago |

Morning before everyone in the family gets up. Otherwise it tends to get bumped off the priority list. I've learned to really enjoy the morning stars and the rising sun as well. Venus is particularly spectacular right now. It also sets the tone for the day as other have mentioned. I'm much less angry, more able to manage stress and emotions throughout the day.

wreath 4 years ago |

I used to train (barbells) early in the morning on an empty stomach. I tried it during the day at about midday, I felt stronger and had more energy (probably because of carbs). I also at about 4pm, similar results but couldn't sustain it cause i would finish work later and end up not training.

fartcannon 4 years ago |

I run in the morning because I have no other option.

I find every step to be totally miserable.

agent008t 4 years ago |

In the evening after work but before dinner. Ideally would do it in the afternoon, around 4pm.

Any serious exercise in the morning is both more miserable and makes me tired for the rest of the day.

approxim8ion 4 years ago |

I go for a walk for an hour at twilight daily (currently that's about 4:30PM where I live).

marto1 4 years ago |

I'd *like* to do it early in the morning. But laziness sets in faster than me.

kody 4 years ago |

I prefer about 5AM, but usually go at noon because the gym is empty.

Graffur 4 years ago |

I workout at home so normally after work.

TheBaddest 4 years ago |

I usually lift weights after my 9-5