Our Coaches are often asked, “What is the best time of the day to exercise?”
Their answer is always the same: You tell me!
It's not a sarcastic answer; it's pretty much based on each individual’s lifestyle, and what time of day works best for you when it comes to planning an exercise schedule. Figuring out what time of day you are in the best physical and mental condition for a workout is the first step to success.
The second step is finding the exercise (or exercises) you will do consistently and stay committed to.
We all, at some time, get caught up in the latest fad in exercise and nutrition — only to find out it doesn’t work (at least for us), and we are back to falling off our routine. Now, there is nothing wrong with trying new ideas, but at some point, we all need to find out what works best for us and our lifestyle … and stick to it.
Of course, I am aware that this could be much easier to say than to do in the life of a professional driver.
The saying, “it’s not about finding the exercise you SHOULD do — it’s about finding the exercise you WILL do,” can also be applied when deciding what time of day is best for your workout. No matter when you exercise, be sure to warm up first.
I’ve talked to many drivers who have found success exercising at specific times of day (morning, afternoon, and evening). Here are some of the pros of each:
MORNING
When establishing a workout schedule, personal preference is not the only factor. Many drivers say that the morning is the best time for a scheduled exercise break because they never know what the day will bring. Many have said they intended to work out at the end of the day, but many barriers got in the way — traffic, accidents, road repair, breakdowns, and bad weather. Planning is key. Plan, so you will know where you are going, and with today’s technology, you can find out the weather and road conditions ahead.
AFTERNOON
Using your 30-minute afternoon break for a workout can be a great way to stay on schedule. It can also provide a much-needed energy boost, along with a mental health break. Many drivers feel this makes them more productive toward the end of the workday. A quick walk may be enough to drive these benefits home.
EVENING
End-of-the-day workouts are best for some drivers, and for many of them, the physical exertion can be an effective stress-reliever after a long day of work … that is if you have the energy to exercise and don’t allow fatigue to keep you from following through on your fitness goals.
