One of the most common questions I get as a personal trainer in St Albans and Harpenden is: "What is the best time to work out? "The truth is, there is no one size fits all answer. The best time to train depends on your lifestyle, energy levels, and daily commitments. Whether you prefer early morning sessions, lunchtime workouts, or evening training, each time of day has its own benefits.

At JSM Fitness, I work with busy professionals, parents, and individuals with demanding schedules, helping them find the perfect workout time that fits into their routine. Let’s explore the benefits of exercising at different times and how you can find what works best for you.

Morning Workouts: Start Your Day Strong
If you’re an early riser, morning workouts can be a fantastic way to kickstart your day. Training first thing in the morning offers several benefits:

• Boosts metabolism: Exercising early can help burn more calories throughout the day.

• Enhances focus and productivity: A workout can wake you up, clear your mind, and increase energy levels.

• Improves consistency: Morning exercisers are more likely to stick to their routine as they get it done before distractions arise.

A morning personal training session is ideal for people with busy work schedules, parents juggling school runs, or those who want to get their workout done before the day gets hectic.

However, if you’re not a morning person, forcing yourself to train early may lead to lower performance and lack of motivation. Listen to your body, if you feel sluggish in the morning, you might perform better at another time.

Lunchtime Workouts: A Midday Energy Boost
For those with flexible work schedules, lunch break workouts are a great option. Whether it’s a quick home workout, a gym session, or a personal training session, a midday workout can:

• Break up your day: If you work long hours at a desk, a workout can help reduce stress and increase productivity.

• Prevent the afternoon slump: Training at lunch boosts energy levels for the rest of the day.

• Save time in the evening: If your evenings are packed with family commitments or social plans, lunchtime training can be a great alternative.

The key to an effective lunchtime workout is efficiency. Short, high intensity sessions such as HIIT, strength training, or circuit training can deliver great results in under 45 minutes.

Evening Workouts: Train Hard, Sleep Better
If you’re not a morning person, training in the late afternoon or evening might be the best option. Many people feel stronger and more energised later in the day because:

• Your body is fully awake: Muscle strength, flexibility, and endurance peak in the evening.

• Great for stress relief: An evening workout can help unwind after a long day.

• More social & flexible: You might find it easier to join group workouts or book personal training sessions in the evening.

However, avoid working out too late at night if you struggle with sleep. High intensity exercise can increase adrenaline and heart rate, making it harder to wind down.

Listen to Your Body & Lifestyle
At the end of the day, the best time to work out is the time that fits your lifestyle, schedule, and energy levels. With busy lives, many of us juggle work, childcare, and personal commitments, which means that the "perfect" time to train isn’t always possible.

The most important thing is to stay consistent and find a routine that works for you. Some days, you might need to train early in the morning, while other days, an evening session might be better. That’s why at JSM Fitness, I offer flexible personal training sessions, whether you prefer mobile training at home, outdoor workouts, or online coaching, I adapt to your schedule.

Find Your Perfect Workout Time with JSM Fitness
If you’re unsure about the best time to train or need help staying motivated and consistent, I can help! As a personal trainer in St Albans and Harpenden, I provide:

• Flexible training sessions: Work out at a time that suits you

• Customised fitness plans: Based on your goals, lifestyle, and schedule

• Expert guidance & motivation: To help you stay on track

Call: 07590 830263
Email: [email protected]
No matter when you train, the key is to stay consistent, listen to your body, and find a routine that fits your life. Let’s work together to create a fitness plan that works for you!