What is the best time of day to exercise?

Some research suggests that people who work out in the morning are more likely to stick with their exercise program, but this may be because they get it "out of the way" first thing and are thus less likely to skip an evening workout due to fatigue or a busy schedule. In addition, you may choose to exercise in the morning if you live in an area where smog, heat, or other environmental factors can spoil your (outdoor) workout because the air is coolest and clearest at that time. But no studies have shown that you get a better, more efficient workout if you exercise in the morning. The best time is really a matter of individual choice, and what works for your roommate may be entirely different from what works for you. Working out in the a.m., for instance, isn't better than working out at night if you find it tough to roll out of bed at that hour -- or if you feel so stiff in the morning that exercise seems like a horrible chore you'd be all too glad to skip. Similarly, if you find yourself much more energetic at dusk than at dawn, p.m. exercise may be best for you. You may find that an evening workout offers other benefits. Although conventional wisdom has it that late-night workouts can make it harder to fall asleep, there's actually no evidence to support that notion. In fact, exercising at night can help allay anxiety, allowing people who are normally kept awake by stress to get a better night's sleep. But hands down, the best time for you to exercise is when you'll be most likely to do it and do it regularly. So decide what's convenient for you and when you most enjoy a workout. Make it a top priority --whatever time of day you choose to do it.