When do you exercise morning or night? I am starting over parenting and need to be healthier.

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PutPuzzleheaded5337@reddit

I exercise in the evening, wind down and then shower. It cuts down my appetite too so I dont have a huge meal. My issue is that I either have a glass of wine or a vodka drink when I’m working out (I have a gym in my home). This sounds counter productive and it’s not for everyone but I stay pretty fit with this regimen.

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Optimal-Ad-7074@reddit

the only thing that really clicked for me was bike commuting. but I couldn't start that while my child was in daycare.

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Kaffine69@reddit

Take the kid for a walk in the stroller and kill 2 birds.

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recumbent_mike@reddit

This is harder in the winter unless you live near the equator.

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Kaffine69@reddit

That would be an excuse.

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recumbent_mike@reddit

It's just that the birds have mostly migrated.

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TheJokersChild@reddit

i like mornings. I’m fresh and there’s less chance to get sidetracked or tired.

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BostonBruinsLove@reddit

I work out at 5:00am Monday-Friday. That was I have no excuse not to get my workout in. Good luck to you!!

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Big-On-Mars@reddit

Whenever works best for you. The best workout routine, is the one you'll do consistently. I run after work because I hate getting up in the morning. You don't have to do much, but just do it very day.

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WeeklyInitiative@reddit

Firstly, sorry about your loss and you are amazing to take on this commitment.

I exercise first thing in the morning so that it's out of the way and done. Used to be a gym rat in my 20's but got tired of that and now all my workouts are done at home with You tube videos. I do a mix of resistance training and yoga/mobility exercises.

Since you're just starting out, take it easy (I find injuries and strains happen way more easily now) and find something you like so you stick with it. If you're social, joining a class or having a walking buddy may help motivate you. At work, go for a walk either alone or with a colleague at lunch time. I also agree with those who suggested taking baby on walks with you. I have to go out even in minus 30 Celsius for daily walks or I just don't feel right. As long as you have the right gear, weather is not an impediment.

Hope you find some helpful suggestions and good luck.

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Djragamuffin77@reddit

Morning. My evenings are filled with class work (getting my BS finally), family, and a bit of me time.

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Azerafael@reddit

I have issues with sleep so i tend to work out in the mornings before work (when i had work).

I would get up, wash up a bit, have a cup of coffee, give myself maybe 15 minutes or so to really wake up, then start doing stretches before working out.

Warning though, cos i have a habit of waking at 4am, which gives me a couple hours to at least to go through my routine before work.

Do start slow though and remember warm-up exercises.

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siamesecat1935@reddit

I generally work out after work, but my works are small group fitness; so I have to sign up for specific times and classes. Sometimes I go first thing if I'm able to WFH that day, or go on a Saturday, but I generally go as soon after work as I can. Classes are an hour, and close to my house

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Affectionate-Map2583@reddit

If you're starting from scratch, can you walk while at work? Use your lunch break for a brisk walk then eat at your desk? That way it won't strain your busy day with work and a baby, and once you're getting in better shape you can think about adding something else before/after work.

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LibertyMike@reddit

I just suggested the same thing. It definitely needs to be BRISK though!

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lunicorn@reddit

I don't know your occupation, but could "walking meetings" be an option? If you have a 1:1 with someone, see if you can get out and walk with them.

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LibertyMike@reddit

Not sure if OP will see this. I get plenty of exercise. Did a 24 mile bike race this weekend. ;-)

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Monkey-Gland-Sauce@reddit

I'm a DINKWAD and this is my strategy.

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ides_of_arch@reddit

I get up early and walk as fast as I can for 3 miles around my neighborhood. With a baby maybe you take with you in a stroller. Otherwise I’d get a piece of home cardio equipment like a stationary bike and wake up early and work out. Frankly see if you can borrow one to see if you can commit to using it.

With any exercise start slow if it’s been awhile. Walk a mile and go home the first week. Ride the bike for 15 minutes. Or 10. Gradually increase time or distance until you reach your optiman and keep at it.

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Relative_Ad9477@reddit

I exercise in the mornings. I have a yoga and pilates routine that is on the floor. I have 3 herniated discs in my spine and it's either exercise or pain.

I found that doing some stretches (on the floor) can get my blood pumping and wake me up. Literally how I got back into an exercise routine after being a lazy bum during quarantine.

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SojuSeed@reddit

I’m a morning while fasted person. I drink some creatine and a no-sugar kind of wake up powder to get me moving and keep me energized well into the afternoon and then swing my kettlebells. The idea of working out at night just feels wrong to me, plus no matter what else I do or don’t do during the day, I know I’ve at least accomplished my workout and that’s likely to be the hardest thing.

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Zealousideal_Ad642@reddit

I usually get out at 5am for a run or I go to the gym.

Only once a week I do a post work run at 6pm as there's a small group I run with. If you are heading into Winter and want to go running in the dark, I'd recommended a running headlight. Tripping over while running at the age of 50 isn't like it was when we were much much younger.

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flixguy440@reddit

Up by 630. To the club by 7 ... 45 minutes of cardio. Shower then to work. Workouts always feel better as a way to wake up.

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ScotsWomble@reddit

What about the child?

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flixguy440@reddit

Many clubs have child care availability.

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Sindorella@reddit

Exercising always gets me more alert and energized, especially after I have made it a habit for a while, so I would get up early and exercise before work.

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liquilife@reddit

I work out for 1.5 hours between 4 and 5:30 pm, mon - fri. However on Saturday I workout from 7:30 to 9:00 am.

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darkest_irish_lass@reddit

I would work out at home, if that's an option. A recumbent bike or small elliptical, so you can exercise whenever life gives you a chance. 15 minutes in the morning, 30 minutes in the afternoon, an hour on weekends when everyone is still asleep.

Yoga is great for someone getting back into shape. It'll build your muscles, flexibility and stamina and provide a little island of calm in your day. 30 minutes up to an hour at a time and no equipment needed. I like 'bojo beautiful' free yoga YouTube videos.

If you wanted to go to a gym, planet fitness has a cheap introductory level for $10 a month. If you quit, though, you have to go in person to the gym you signed up at and I think sign in blood or something, so it's complicated.

Whatever you choose, good luck! It might not seem like much right now but every little bit helps.

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userr7890@reddit

Prob before work would be best for you but take what you can get! It’s super, super important to lift (correctly), play (carefully), and move frequently. Walk daily before work, after your lunch, or after dinner.

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stargarnet79@reddit

When I had to get back in shape, I love a nice 15-20 minute walk in the morning to start my day and tried to do some core strengthening yoga. I am still trying to get motivated to also walk after work but I’m usually too tired.

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jcilomliwfgadtm@reddit

Night. After work. It’s hot in the sun.

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Formal_Search1511@reddit

I would recommend looking into couch to 5k. It's the simplest running app that will have you running a 5k within a few weeks, without overdoing it. Being outside early in the morning with the cool and sunrise is also incredibly good for mental health .

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Vegetable_Humor5470@reddit

I work out before work, 8:00 on later start days, 6:00 on early days. I go to a class, weightlifting, because there's an expectation I will show up by others and I don't have to think of what to do with my time. On the early days I sometimes sleep in my workout clothes so I can get up and go if I oversleep.

I've tried evening classes and it just didn't work. I often talked myself out of going and/or hot pulled into other 'life' things.

I also get out at least one weekend day with my spouse for an active event- hiking, paddling, bicycling.

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kingpin748@reddit

Meet my buddies at the gym at 530am

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IngvaldClash@reddit

I go after work. I’ve also been in the habit of going before work as well.

What has helped me is establishing a routine and finding some exercises that I enjoyed (or didn’t hate).

Some days it’s just good enough to show up and go thru the motions. Just keep the routine

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HPIndifferenceCraft@reddit

Based on your work hours, I’d want to know how long your commute is.

If it’s 30 minutes or less, I’d say get up at like 6:00, eat breakfast, then walk for a half hour.

If your commute is longer than that, do it after work - the earlier in the evening the better.

No matter what, start slow. Just walk. Or lift with light weights or bands. Or learn some beginner yoga poses. Work your way up from there.

And stretch. Flexibility is imperative as we age.

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EastTXJosh@reddit

I’m 46, married, parent of two kids. I recently started working out again for the first time since our first kid was born almost 12 years ago. I had put on probably 50 pounds during that time period. My wife and I decided to invest in a treadmill about a month ago and it’s been great. I use it every morning for about 45 minutes in between dropping the kids off at school and going to work. I’ve also changed up my diet.

At this point, I’m not focused on numbers. I know it’s going to take several months, maybe a year or more to get to my ideal weight, so I haven’t checked my weight, but I already feel much better and I can already fit into some clothes I haven’t been able to wear at least 5 years, so I know it’s working.

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BridgestoneX@reddit

the best time for you to work out is the time when you will do it consistently. if you aim for a particulate time and it works, great. if not, pick another. the one that has you following through on the regular is what's best for you

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scarybottom@reddit

I find I exercise most consistently when I get up in the morning and just do it. Rain or shine, temperature, etc. Have the right clothes ready, an LED light vest in case it is still dark. But just go.

Still- time it less important than doing something every day. 10 min, 30 min, and hour. Walk, jog, weights. Again just do something. I find it easiest to walk/jog outside, and go in the mornings. You might find a treadmill works for you, and more flexible schedule, or consistently at a certain time.

Baby- get a walking stroller. Look on the local buy nothing group(s) if you can't just buy one.

And multiple 10 min bouts COUNT :). so do 20 min at lunch since it looks like you only get 30 min, and eat at desk. Get up in morning and walk for 30 min (if need be, take baby in a running/walking stroller, or get a treadmill for home (Amazon has cheap walking desk ones that are great to get started around $2-300, and it is PRIME week- sure to be some specials). After supper, go for a 10-20 min walk as a family. It will all add up!!

And at our age- weight work is truly essential. Please consider trying to do at least 10-20 min weights a few times a week to help maintain muscle mass. only takes a couple 5-10# weights to get started.

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superjv1080@reddit

I workout at night night due to work and kiddo school schedule. Workout start around 8:30-9p, stop by 10p. Usually 30mins total including some stretches and then weights. I do this almost daily unless I have to work at night. Working out after 10p is a problem, I guess because it keeps my adrenaline high and don't sleep well. It works for my schedule.

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DoomOfChaos@reddit

I hit the gym in the morning.

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Tricky_Radish@reddit

I’m getting back in to it, but my workouts always felt better before I hit the coffee and other crap during the day. So getting up a little early and doing it then was the way.

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StevieNickedMyself@reddit

I don't. I simply don't drive :)

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Rom2814@reddit

Noon or early afternoon.

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PithandKin@reddit

Either when I come home from work - otherwise the moment I settle on the couch, I may not have as much motivation to work out. Or as soon as the kids have gone to bed, way easier to do when they’re not crawling over me.

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AtomicHurricaneBob@reddit

Is walking out riding a bike to work an option? Make your commute your exercise.

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GJM_MCR@reddit

I work 8:30-5 and I take a pilates class from 7-8 pm 2 days a week. Walk or wall yoga on days at home. Also, on class nights, I have to eat light, or eat after.

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Boshie2000@reddit

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ihatepickingnames_@reddit

I am not a morning person so it’s after work for me. When I was working in the office, the key for me was go directly from work to the gym. If I went home first I wouldn’t want to leave.

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Familiar-Year-3454@reddit

I like to workout in a fasted state so first thing in the morning, it makes me feel like I have already accomplished something. Also, I am still disoriented and can’t talk myself out of it. A treadmill from a second hand buy and sell, a few weights and you can do this from home. Or with a gym membership, shower and leave from there to work

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Deep-Nebula5536@reddit

5am CrossFit. Plenty of parents there too.

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ImmySnommis@reddit

Up until my mid 40s I always had to do early morning. For awhile it was 0400 when I was really hitting the weights hard. Then I injured my neck and the doctor said no working out until I healed. Unfortunately that took like 8 months.

I tried to get back to it several times but just kept failing - I simply couldn't get my ass out of bed that early. 0515 is the best I could do, and that gets me to work by 0630.

Finally I just bit the bullet and started working out after work. It took a bit but now I get home eager to do it. I'm nowhere near where I was 10 years ago, but I've started and I'm making it a habit. I get it knocked out before my wife gets home and usually have dinner started when she walks in the door. It just FITS.

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OctopusParrot@reddit

M47. I work out in the morning. Usually between 7 and 8. It makes me feel good for the rest of the day, and I've found that if I don't do it then, I usually won't do it at all.

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MondoShlongo@reddit

Whenever it fits best.

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HillbillyEEOLawyer@reddit

I used to be a 5 AM weekday workout guy for years and years. But then I started prioritizing my sleep and, with my family, the only way to get more is to sleep a little longer in the morning. Usually to 630 AM which is too late to gym before work.

Now I take an afternoon break, around 4:00PM, hit the gym and finish off work later. Luckily I can work at home so I don’t have to go back to the office after the gym.

Weekends are just whenever works best.

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Judgy-Introvert@reddit

I exercise right after work and on the weekends or my days off, in the morning.

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nicolleisla@reddit

If I exercise in the morning, the housework will never get done. Exercise is my reward for the torture that is housework

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sactownbwoy@reddit

I hit the gym in the morning. I'm a Marine, the gym is next to my work and is open at 0500. I wake up at 0500, leave my house about 0520, get on base to the gym around 0530 or so. I don't have to be to work until 0800. So even after I finish my workout and shower, I've still got a good amount of time to relax before everyone else gets in.

I like morning workouts because now with a family, the evening is hard to do. When I was a young family free Marine, I would workout after work.

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Beatrix_Kitto@reddit

Morning. I want to get it over with. I hate working out but I know it keeps me healthy and mobile. I’m up at 5:30, have a cup of coffee and a small breakfast while scrolling and then hit the treadmill for 20-30 minutes before doing some weight training. Gives me about 40 minutes to putter around before heading to work.

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RedditIsAGranfaloon@reddit

First thing in the morning for me. My work schedule is like you, so the only time I control what I do is before I head to the office. One hour, cardio, every morning

Ugh

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chromatoma1@reddit

I exercise anytime between 11am and 1pm. Two reasons - my peak working hours are 7-11am and 4-7pm so noon is when I'm free. Also because those are non-peak hours at the gym and fewer people around which I prefer.

I go for walks in the evenings sometimes.

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LibertyMike@reddit

I started running about a year ago, then started triathlon training back in April, so I'm probably not the best to ask.

Morning (M-F): Get up at 5AM, run or ride bike for 45-60 minutes.
Lunch (M-F): Swim 30 minutes.
Evening (M, T, TH, F): Weight lifting 30 minutes after dinner. Possibly after a 30-60 minute walk with my wife, depending on weather & how she is feeling (she has health issues right now).
Saturday AM: Long run (10k+), or 20k ride + 5k run.

Since you've never really exercised in the past, walking for 20 minutes at a brisk pace during your lunch break is a perfectly good way to get started. That's what I would do before I dropped enough weight so I could run.

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Rude_Veterinarian639@reddit

When I worked outside the home, I used my lunch break (it was an hour) to do a 30 min circuit, 3x a week.

It was a preplanned circuit with dedicated machines in a separate area. Huge selling point for the gym.

Then I ate my lunch at my desk after.

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UnimportantOutcome67@reddit

Lifelong exerciser.

I'm a morning person so I do mornings.

When my first born was born, I started getting up at five to lift in the garage gym.

After a full day's work, I'm not super motivated to work out, but you might find it relieves work stress.

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TigerGrizzCubs78@reddit

Work is my exercise. 46, been in the trades 6 years and got in the IBEW at the end of May

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MundaneHuckleberry58@reddit

These days I work out after work to try to reclaim some energy and not fall asleep at 8pm.

When my kids were tiny, I switched to working out early in the AM. It was the only way I was guaranteed time/silence to myself during a day. With kids of any age, but esp. a baby, you're guaranteed some thing is going to go sideways - having to leave work because the kid has a fever, etc. I found that when one domino fell (having to take them to the doctor, them not taking a nap leaving you EXHAUSTED)...my workout was what always got cut to make room in the day. Unless I prioritized it as the first thing of my day.

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norskgenes@reddit

Get up early in the morning and get it out of the way. Put yourself first in this and the rest of your day can be shared however you need to. I work out and teach 5am fitness classes. There are lots of online YouTube classes and apps you can look into as well. I wish you well!

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AltCyberstudy@reddit

I get up early to work out and my goal is one hour a day regardless of how I feel. If it's just stretching, that's fine! I only do two or three "difficult" workouts a week, the rest are easy mode. Never do the same workout two days in a row; give your muscles recovery time.

Start VERY gradually! You can easily overdo it in the beginning stages. Rule of thumb, only add 2 miles to your run every week, and sometimes back off to recover. On non-run days do weights or yoga.

So I work.out literally as soon as I wake up, then I get on with my day. Even if it's a shitty stretching workout with zero motivation, I complete my hour and know I did it. Feels good. It's more about the time spent than any other goal.

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IndyElectronix@reddit

In the morning. Unlike when i was younger, i can't fall asleep when i work out in the evenings. My body won't shut down

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NoMayoForReal@reddit

I’d hit the gym early in the morning, 30 minutes every day (alternate cardio & strength training) would do it. If you leave it to the evening then by the time you get home and deal with all the baby stuff you might not be motivated. Get it out of the way and start your day with me time.

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