What is the best time to workout?

The best time to work out can vary depending on individual preferences and goals, but Andrew Huberman provides some general guidelines based on scientific insights.

1. Morning Workouts: Morning exercise can be particularly beneficial as it helps shift cortisol spikes that occur naturally in the morning to a healthier pattern, which can promote better sleep and mood throughout the day 1. Moreover, exercising in the morning, around the time you wake up or shortly thereafter, has been suggested to be optimal for using the brain effectively for the rest of the day 1.

2. Afternoon Workouts: Training in the afternoon could be better for performance. There is some evidence suggesting that body temperature rhythms and cortisol release make late morning or early afternoon (around three hours after waking) a good time for achieving optimal training performance 2.

3. Individual Preferences and Circadian Rhythms: The specific optimal time can also depend on one’s circadian rhythms. People may find they perform best at different times of the day based on their personal "chronotype" or internal clock 3.

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     Morning Exercise Benefits

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     Optimal Training Times

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     Optimal Performance Timing

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Thus, while morning workouts are often highlighted for their broad benefits, the optimal timing can ultimately depend on individual factors, including your daily schedule, performance goals, and personal energy patterns.