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

The post Why Exercise in the Afternoon? 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

Three workouts in one! This class is a total body workout that combines cardio, strength training and core exercises. A total body workout designed to define & tone every muscle in every way. Great class for improving muscular strength & endurance.

Great for guys too! Please bring a yoga mat and towel.

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

*Yoga mat, loop resistance band, and two medium/heavy dumbbells are suggested for this class *

*No Class Feb 18th*

The post 20/20/20 Cardio, Strength & Core – Jan 21st – Feb 25th 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

Great for guys too! Please bring a yoga mat and towel.

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

*Yoga mat, loop resistance band, and two medium/heavy dumbbells are suggested for this class *

*No Class Feb 18th*

The post 20/20/20 Cardio, Strength & Core 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

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*

The post BarreLattes – Jan 20th – Feb 24th 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

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

*No Class Feb 17th*

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

This mat Pilates class is a combination of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. The class will focus on stabilizing the core, improving posture, and strengthening the total body!

Utilizing props such as the Pilates ball, light hand weights, the Pilates ring/circle as well as many others keeps class interesting and ensures you’ll never take the same class twice! Don’t worry if you don’t have all the equipment. Just show up to the class the coach gives many options, and all the exercises can be done body weight. All fitness levels are welcome.

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

The post Mat Pilates – Mar 2nd – Apr 6th 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

Utilizing props such as the Pilates ball, light hand weights, the Pilates ring/circle as well as many others keeps class interesting and ensures you’ll never take the same class twice! Don’t worry if you don’t have all the equipment. Just show up to the class the coach gives many options, and all the exercises can be done body weight. All fitness levels are welcome.

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

The post Mat Pilates 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

This mat Pilates class is a combination of exercises developed by Joseph Pilates. The class will focus on stabilizing the core, improving posture, and strengthening the total body!

Utilizing props such as the Pilates ball, light hand weights, the Pilates ring/circle as well as many others keeps class interesting and ensures you’ll never take the same class twice! Don’t worry if you don’t have all the equipment. Just show up to the class the coach gives many options, and all the exercises can be done body weight. All fitness levels are welcome.

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

The post Mat Pilates – Jan 19th – Feb 23rd 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

Utilizing props such as the Pilates ball, light hand weights, the Pilates ring/circle as well as many others keeps class interesting and ensures you’ll never take the same class twice! Don’t worry if you don’t have all the equipment. Just show up to the class the coach gives many options, and all the exercises can be done body weight. All fitness levels are welcome.

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

The post Mat Pilates 0 (0) first appeared on Tone & Strengthen.

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.