Daily
exercise is important to stay healthy, but the time of day you fit in
your workout can also impact your well-being. The ideal time differs
from girl to girl, so you’ve gotta figure out when it feels best for
you. It takes a little experimenting, so to help get you started, here
are the benefits of working out for each part of the day.
Morning
For those willing to leave the comfort of their
bed, working out in the morning can often be a fab energy booster for
the rest of the day. Depending on when you wake up for school, though,
it might be too dark to get outside and run a few laps. Unless you can
get to a gym this early, it’s easier and safer to exercise in your
house. Jumping jacks are a great way to get some cardio action in, and
you can do planks and crunches anywhere. Just don’t forget to
stretch—you don’t want your body to be aching later in class!
Afternoon
Sporty girls may already get an afternoon
workout in with after-school practices, but you don’t have to be on a
team to get the benefits of exercising at this time. With the sun
gradually setting sooner, the afternoon is the best time to squeeze in
an outdoor activity. Go for a brisk walk, jog or bike ride with your
bestie, or spend a few hours on a Saturday out hiking– it’s the best way
to see all of fall’s pretty leaves. If you have homework to do
afterwards, make sure you don’t tire yourself out with a super intense
workout. Lighter exercising is better in the afternoon to refresh and
clear your head.
Evening
As a teen, it’s trickiest to exercise in the
evening. You should hold off on a workout until two hours after eating a
big meal. If you eat an early dinner, then this could work for you, but
you also have to give your body two hours before bedtime to settle
down. Planning an evening workout can mean that you have to get your fam
to help out, so if this is the best time for your schedule, have a
family gym night. Or, instead of watching TV after dinner, pop in a yoga
DVD that everyone can enjoy. Or, use your laptop to do a more intense
workout DVD. Score!
BY RACHEL NUGENT ON 10/27/2011 7:00:00 AM
POSTED IN weight, healthy ways to lose weight, health, fitness