subject: The After Work Workout [print this page] When is the best time to work out? After work workouts prove to have some of the best potential, but keeping fit is a year around practice. You may be asking yourself: Why after work? But ask yourself this: Why not? Afternoon activities are often the best because we tend to enjoy them more. Our body is active, our mind is active, and quite frankly, the stresses of work are behind us and can let us focus on enjoying a workout rather than making it a chore.
The body is warmed up and ready to go
When we get up, our body isnt always hot and pumped for the day. It takes a little bit to get our functions up and running- both mentally and physically. But by afternoon and evening, our body is warm and ready to go. Weve been fairly active throughout the day, moving around, even if it is just office work, but nonetheless, we are fully functioning later in the day. This gives you a premium chance to get a complete workout at the end of the day.
Because it is important to stretch and warm yourself up before a workout, an after work workout proves to be a little easier on your body. Since everything is moving already, it can decrease the likelihood of injuries and even soreness.
Another benefit of a later workout is youre going to use up all that energy youve been building up during the day. Breakfast (its important so dont forget it) and lunch can sit in our body and remain mostly unused. After you get off work, why not head to the fitness center and make use of that energy in a productive way?
To stress the matter
Stress relief is a practical bonus that goes along with any workout. After toiling away at the work place, were often left a little stressed out. For most folks, we picture going home, kicking back and watching the telly until its time for dinner. That really wouldnt be the ideal way to spend an evening, and would probably be a little counterproductive to having a healthy lifestyle. What a workout can do is amazing for your body and mind. While we work out, our brain actually releases certain endorphins that soothe the body and relieve stress. Its our bodys way of taking care of itself.
As a bonus, when we dont hit the sofa with a bag of chips or snacks, and instead hit the fitness center with a towel and water- what happens? Well, we arent consuming junky foods or snacks while we sit around. We spend our time getting healthy instead of being counterproductive to a fitness plan.
Tuckered out
Perhaps there is even the situation where youre having a bit of trouble catching the Zs. Those evasive rascals that seem to amazingly come and go for some unknown reason have suddenly escaped your grasp and to say the least- youre having trouble sleeping. Well, it may be because you didnt use up all your daily energy or youre stressed about something, so try getting rid of it by working out. Tire yourself out in the afternoon, and by eve, you may find it a little easier to snatch those Zs.
Time to talk?
For some, socialization isnt what people want. They want to hit the fitness center and get their chore over with. But for others, there is the chance to talk. Afternoons bring about a different aura, since people are just getting out of work and are usually in a friendlier mood. Socialization has its perks, but shouldnt be pictured as a problem that halts your workout. In fact, its just the opposite. We can talk to others, while we workout, discussing technique, motivation, or just a fun convo to keep us going while we get fit.
Working out to end a productive day
After work, we often think: Well, thats the end of the day. But its not. Its far from it. There is so much you can do with that time between the 5 oclock rush hour and sleepy time. Head for the fitness center, burn off some of that stress and some of those stored up calories while you keep your day headed in a fun and fitness productive direction.
