You can't get up early in the morning to run before going to work, you don't have time to do it during your lunch break, or you can't run on an empty stomach? Then you're left with the end of the day... Have you heard that it's not good to do sports in the evening? Of course it is! Boogie has compiled a list of good reasons to exercise after a day's work.
1. Because it's the best way to let off steam and relax after a hard day's work.
Was it a hard day? Stressful? Need to take your mind off things? Sport has been proven to cause the release of dopamine, serotonin and endorphins: pleasure hormones that generate satisfaction, relaxation and pleasure. You won't have to worry about your working day because it's now behind you.
Going to the gym at the end of the day will make you feel less stressed and more relaxed. You'll be in a good mood when you get home!
2. Because your body is better able to do a sports session.
Indeed, the time when our body temperature is highest is in the late afternoon, when our energy is at its highest and our reserves are full. This is when our physical performance is at its best.
Moreover, according to Dr Michael Smolensky, professor of biomedical engineering at the University of Austin in Texas, our muscles and joints are up to 20% more flexible in the evening! A body full of energy, in shape, and already partially warmed up: everything is in place for your evening session to be the best possible!
3. Because you'll sleep better!
Yes, you're surprised? And yet it's true! Indeed, it is traditionally recommended not to do sport in the evening to promote good quality sleep. This is a false notion, as Dr François Duforez, a sleep and sports doctor at the Hôtel-Dieu hospital in Paris, reminds us: "practising a physical activity 3-4 hours before bedtime is a good way of improving the quality of sleep". Sport relaxes you, the arrival of sleep is more favourable! The best thing to do is to cool your head and hydrate properly to bring your body temperature down.
You will then sleep just as well, if not better, than if you had not done any activity!
4. Because the right time depends on each person
It's important to remember that everyone is different, so it's normal for everyone to have a preference for training at a particular time of day. You are not a morning person, you like to take your time to eat lunch, your schedule does not leave you any free time except at the end of the day ... Before any other advice, the best time of the day is the time when you can do your session... And then, any activity in the evening will always be more beneficial than inactivity!
One important thing to remember from this trilogy is that the best time to do sport depends above all on you! It is important to listen to your motivation and your desires, as these will determine the right time for your sport. Each period has its advantages and disadvantages... It's up to you to see what suits you best!
Whatever the time of day, morning, noon or evening, regular training and good nutrition will always be more important than any other advice, whatever your objectives!