I was surprised to find a research study that found, exercise in the afternoon produces a superior metabolic effect than morning exercise (1).  Then I came across another study that found the body’s temperature rises throughout the day and peaks in the afternoon (2).  

Here’s why working out in the afternoon or early evening might be more beneficial then the morning workouts.

Higher Body Temperature

Human body temperature peaks in the afternoon, which means you’d be able to push harder in the afternoon (2). When the body temperature rises, scientists believe that muscle strength and cardiovascular endurance also peak.

Optimal Hormonal Profile

Our hormonal profile is optimal for muscle growth and strength in the afternoon. Testosterone, a hormone needed for muscle growth (4), is higher in the afternoon than in the morning. On the other end of the spectrum is cortisol, the stress hormone that isn’t optimal for muscle growth. The cortisol levels peak in the morning and then gradually decrease as the day goes on. So, exercising provides the perfect hormonal levels for optimal muscle growth later in the day.

Protein Synthesis Pikes

Protein synthesis pikes later in the day, which means that you can maximize your body’s ability to recover (1). Protein synthesis is affected by the circadian rhythm. Science proves that removing circadian input by exposure to either extended periods of darkness or light hampers muscle growth (5). Activity or resistance training later in the day promotes muscle protein synthesis at night (6).

Higher Glucose Levels

Exercising in the afternoon is metabolically superior to morning exercise because you aren’t in a fasted state. You’ve had breakfast and snacks. When you eat, your blood sugar levels go up. Sugar in the form of glucose is the fuel for higher intensity workouts. You will be able to push harder during your afternoon workouts. Exercising in the afternoon is more beneficial for skeletal muscle insulin sensitivity (1).

Increased Endurance and Power

Working out in the evenings can increase your physical capacity, aerobic capacity, and strength output (3). Exercise training in the afternoon induces a more profound increase in maximal power output (1).

The best time of the day to work out is when you can work out. But I’ve to say, after learning all the benefits of exercising in the afternoon, I’ll leave my speed training and hill repeats for afternoon sessions from now on when I may get more bang for my buck.

References-

1- https://doi.org/10.14814/phy2.14669

2- DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0838.2010.01212.x

3- https://doi.org/10.1002/mus.20529

4-DOI: 10.1152/jappl.1989.66.1.498

5- https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2012450117

6- doi: 10.3389/fnut.2019.00017

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Fitness coaches build a personal relationship with you and help you reach your goals while focusing on mental, physical, and social health. You get the support to be successful.

Want to learn more benefits of hiring a fitness coach? Here are a few:

Education– Fitness coaches want to empower their clients with knowledge. The most important reason for working with a fitness coach is to educate you on all aspects of health, fitness, and exercise. They want you to do well in your fitness journey. Knowing which muscles to work, proper form, and nutrition is necessary to maximize effectiveness and reduce the risk of injury. You won’t find this type of comprehensive good for your fitness education on DR. google.

Personalized Program– Every individual is unique. That means everyone’s fitness abilities and requirements are different. One person can be an elite bodybuilder looking to compete, while the other can come from an injury. A fitness coach will meet you where you are. For example, if you had an ankle injury and are coming back after it, a fitness coach can help you rebuild the muscles and improve mobility. A fitness coach’s expertise can help you with a customized approach.

Goal Achievement– When we start training, we expect to achieve goals like tomorrow. Whatever your goal is, weight loss, muscle gain, or increased mobility, these changes take time to show. When your goals aren’t realistic, it’s easy to get discouraged and have anxiety from this experience. Fitness coaches help you set real and measurable goals. They assess your current fitness level, help you carve out a plan to achieve your goals, and track your progress. 

Motivation– Motivation can be internal or external. You may have some intrinsic motivation to work out, like coming off the blood pressure medication or improving your posture after sitting on the desk for hours. But there are always distractions around us, which can cause loss of motivation. Fitness coaches can motivate you to make it to your workout sessions regularly. 

Fitness coaches observe your behavior and guide you through behavioral modification principles. They can help you overcome the mental barriers that keep you in a bad habit loop.

Accountability– Accountability, and motivation go hand in hand. There are  many times we have gone to bed and said, “Tomorrow I’m going to wake up, go to the gym first thing in the morning!” You hit snooze when the morning comes and stay in the warm bed. A fitness coach will keep you accountable. You are investing your money which is a commitment device of its own. We all want to slack from time to time. A fitness coach will push you to your session and let go of the other temptations. 

Variety of Workouts– If you go to the gym without a plan, you wander from machine to machine not knowing what to do. A fitness coach can help you find a purpose for each training session. If you are already working successfully, fitness coaches can bring an objective eye. They can make necessary adjustments to make your workout more interesting, more challenging, or even just more fun.

Coaches provide unique workouts from their expansive exercise library. It will keep your body guessing and you interested in your workouts. Say goodbye to plateaus. 

Wellbeing– Research shows that physical exercise can help with mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. A fitness coach is much more than just a trainer. They help you achieve your fitness goals, but they will also help you with other wellness goals like drinking more water and getting enough sleep.

There are so many reasons why a fitness coach is essential to achieving your fitness goals. A fitness coach can keep you accountable and moving forward in reaching health goals even in busy times like holidays and busy workdays!

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The class is a fusion of ballet conditioning, and Pilates. Whether you want to look better, feel better, or help increase bone density…this class is for you! Barre section will include standing lower body strengthening exercises and the Pilates section will include floor work to strengthen and stabilize your core. Come have fun with us getting healthy and strong.

*Yoga mat, Pilates ring, and stability ball are suggested for this class *

*No Class Feb 17th*

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*Yoga mat, Pilates ring, and stability ball are suggested for this class *

*No Class Feb 17th*

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This is a hybrid fitness class. Choose from virtual or in-person options. In-Person class will be at Northampton Township Recreation Center, Richboro, PA.

Are you ready for a one-hour full body workout?  Set to today’s hottest music, Body by Barre fuses ballet, Pilates, sports conditioning and stretching. This regimented routine will evenly sculpt and quickly transform the entire body, resulting in a toned, trim physique.  Classes begin with a warm-up focusing on postural strength and alignment, followed by upper body exercises. A waist height sturdy surface can be used for flexible training, and to sculpt the lower body and abs.  Class ends with core work and stretching.  Many of the stretches and strengthening exercises are endorsed by sports medicine physicians and orthopedists. 

All Virtual classes are recorded and recording is provided to registered participants for 48-hrs after class.

*Yoga mat, Pilates ball, loop resistance band, and two light dumbbells are suggested for this class*

The post Body by Barre (Hybrid) – Mar 1st – Apr 5th 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

Are you ready for a one-hour full body workout?  Set to today’s hottest music, Body by Barre fuses ballet, Pilates, sports conditioning and stretching. This regimented routine will evenly sculpt and quickly transform the entire body, resulting in a toned, trim physique.  Classes begin with a warm-up focusing on postural strength and alignment, followed by upper body exercises. A waist height sturdy surface can be used for flexible training, and to sculpt the lower body and abs.  Class ends with core work and stretching.  Many of the stretches and strengthening exercises are endorsed by sports medicine physicians and orthopedists. 

All Virtual classes are recorded and recording is provided to registered participants for 48-hrs after class.

*Yoga mat, Pilates ball, loop resistance band, and two light dumbbells are suggested for this class*

The post Body by Barre (Hybrid) 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

Are you ready for a one-hour full body workout?  Set to today’s hottest music, Body by Barre fuses ballet, Pilates, sports conditioning and stretching. This regimented routine will evenly sculpt and quickly transform the entire body, resulting in a toned, trim physique.  Classes begin with a warm-up focusing on postural strength and alignment, followed by upper body exercises. A waist height sturdy surface can be used for flexible training, and to sculpt the lower body and abs.  Class ends with core work and stretching.  Many of the stretches and strengthening exercises are endorsed by sports medicine physicians and orthopedists. 

All Virtual classes are recorded and recording is provided to registered participants for 48-hrs after class.

*Yoga mat, Pilates ball, loop resistance band, and two light dumbbells are suggested for this class*

The post Body by Barre – Jan 18th – Feb 22nd 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

All Virtual classes are recorded and recording is provided to registered participants for 48-hrs after class.

*Yoga mat, Pilates ball, loop resistance band, and two light dumbbells are suggested for this class*

The post Body by Barre 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

The instructor will move with you, in a yoga inspired class, infused with strength and light cardio training, that will be sure to add heat to your daily routine, while toning every muscle group. The class will start with 15 minutes yoga flow, followed by a 20 minutes full body strength circuit, and ending with 15 minutes deep stretch flow.

All Virtual classes are recorded and recording is provided to registered participants for 48-hrs after class.

*Yoga mat and two medium – heavy dumbbells are suggested for this class *

The post Yoga Sculpt – Jan 18th – Feb 22nd 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

All Virtual classes are recorded and recording is provided to registered participants for 48-hrs after class.

*Yoga mat and two medium – heavy dumbbells are suggested for this class *

The post Yoga Sculpt 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.