Is Rising at the Crack of Dawn Necessary for a Good Workout?

By: CrossFit Fortify

Functional fitness is one part adopting a sustainable, gains-focused workout routine and one part developing a healthy lifestyle. Many gym goers have heard the notion that in order to maximize your workout, it's necessary to rise at 5 a.m. and have a full calorie burn completed before your first cup of coffee. For those of us who aren't morning people, this may seem like a tall order.

It's true that there are many benefits of an early morning workout. It's often the most convenient time to fit in a little self-care before rushing off to work, a morning fitness routine can kick start your metabolism and keep you energized throughout the day, and the post-workout endorphin rush is a great way to improve your mood and foster an outlook of positivity before taking on the challenges of a new day.

With all that said, there's no "magic hour" for CrossFit. The perfect workout time is the one that fits your schedule and lifestyle. Discover more about building CrossFit health into a part of your daily routine -- no snooze button required!

Rise and Gain

If you do find that mornings are your golden hour for working out, it bears noting that there's no need to overdo it by setting an alarm for 5 a.m. In fact, studies indicate that morning workouts are most effective between the hours of 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. This gives gym warriors enough time to wake up, fuel up with a light protein shake or energy bar, and hit their strength training workout with a renewed sense of drive and motivation.

Lunch Time Challenge

Working out at midday can provide a refreshing break between desk jobs and shuttling the kids to and from school. If you find yourself with an extra hour in the afternoon each day, aligning your CrossFit routine with a lunch time schedule is a good way to stay consistent and accountable. Some studies indicate that our body's optimal muscle function and protein-supporting enzyme production occurs in the afternoon, making this an ideal time for interval training. Be sure to grab a healthy lunch afterwards to refuel those tired muscles!

Burning the Midnight Calories

Some of us love to race against the grind. If you're one of those late night rebels, the good news is that you can enjoy CrossFit in Richwood any time of the day or evening. Night owls have the added benefit of warming up throughout the day. Oxygen uptake kinetics are typically more efficient in the evening, so you can jump right into your session. In addition, ending the day with a workout promotes a healthy sleep cycle and a better tomorrow.

Check out our gym schedule and find the perfect fitness focus for your busy week!

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