In a Nutshell: The best time to work out for weight loss and burning belly fat varies individually; mornings are great for low-intensity cardio-like walking, while afternoons are ideal for high-intensity exercises such as HIIT or resistance training.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Morning workouts, specifically fasted cardio-like walking, are effective for kickstarting metabolism in a low-intensity manner.
- Afternoons are ideal for high-intensity exercises such as resistance training or HIIT, utilizing peak energy levels for optimal fat burning.
- Evenings should be reserved for low-intensity activities if intense workouts disrupt sleep patterns, maintaining a balance between exercise and rest.
Best Time to Workout for Weight Loss
The best time to work out for weight loss isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer. According to fitness expert Chloe Ting, it’s a puzzle that factors in personal lifestyle and daily rhythms.
With a YouTube following of 25 million, Ting doesn’t just preach fitness; she lives it. “The most important thing that you should consider first is your lifestyle,” she advises, emphasizing the need for a tailored approach to fitness.
Ting, known for her relatable and realistic fitness guidance, dives into the nuanced debate of timing one’s workouts for optimal fat loss.
While the internet abounds with conflicting advice, Ting’s approach is refreshingly straightforward and adaptable. “Don’t over stress about applying it if it doesn’t make sense to you,” she says, addressing the common pitfall of over-complicating fitness routines.
Morning Workouts: A Gentle Start
For many, mornings are an untapped opportunity for fitness. Ting discusses the benefits of low-intensity, steady-state cardio, like walking before breakfast, which she calls “fasted cardio.”
This method, she explains, is simple yet effective: “Just go for a walk, so it’s basically going out for a walk, a fasted walk, so nothing before that, no breakfast.”
However, she quickly reminds that if mornings aren’t your thing, there’s no need to force a habit.
Afternoon Exercise: Harnessing Your Energy
The afternoon, for many, is a prime time for more intense workouts. Ting describes her personal preference for exercising a few hours post-meal to maximize energy levels. “I like to hit the gym with either heavy or just resistance training or HIIT workouts at this time of the day,” she shares.
This period is ideal for activities that boost metabolism and trigger the excess post-exercise oxygen consumption effect, which is beneficial for sustained fat burning.
Evening Routines: Finding Balance
While evenings can be suitable for some, Ting cautions against late workouts if they disrupt sleep patterns. “It’s really hard to fall asleep when you’re excited,” she explains, referencing the increase in cortisol and adrenaline levels post-exercise.
For those who find evenings the only feasible time, she suggests low-intensity activities that won’t spike the heart rate excessively.
The Takeaway: Listen to Your Body
Chloe Ting’s overarching message is clear: the best time to work out is when it feels right for you. “Nobody’s gonna force you to do something that you don’t want to do,” she states, advocating for a personalized and flexible approach to fitness. This philosophy makes workouts more enjoyable and more effective in the long run.
In conclusion, Ting’s guidance offers a liberating perspective in a world often rigid with fitness dos and don’ts. By prioritizing personal comfort and lifestyle, one can find the ideal time for workouts, leading to sustainable weight loss and improved well-being.
