Best time of day for weight training

August 17th, 2007 by Paul Johnson

Most gyms fill up in the afternoon and evenings. This tells me that most people workout after work or classes.

Is morning the best time to workout?

Many bodybuilders advocate morning workouts give the best results, but is that really ideal?

This is difficult to answer, as it depends on how you interpret the studies. In the morning your testosterone levels are the highest. However, your body temperature, adrenaline, stamina, mental focus, lung capacity, muscle flexibility, and strength are all lower. Many hormone and physiological systems in the body, peak at different times of the day.

During the late afternoon your pain tolerance will be near peak(leading to better strength). Your body temperature and adrenaline will also be on a rise during this time. Does this mean the late afternoon is best for muscle gains? No, it means the afternoon is best for getting a good workout. The morning seems to be better for optimal muscle gains because of the higher testosterone levels. Testosterone is the main driving force behind muscle gains.