Post: #1

Recently I've been hitting the books hard. For the past few months I've been working out first thing in the morning after breakfast (either strenuous cardio or weights).

More recently I took an entire week off from exercise due to a sports injury. As a result, I studied directly after breakfast instead of beginning after my work out (+post workout snack).

The increase in energy and focus was palpable. The difference was significant. I was able to process info faster and more creatively link concepts.

Have you guys noticed any difference in your work (especially reading/studying/writing/etc) after you workout?

Since the brain uses so much glucose, perhaps exercising it before a strenuous study session would be analogous to driving long distance on a closer to empty tank.

Post: #2

Working out in the morning starts up your metabolism for the rest of the day. If you're finding yourself low on energy after, just eat more/better afterwards. Doing your workout before breakfast is probably advisable, so you can replenish a lot of the nutrients and what not you just burned off immediately after.

Post: #3

Much prefer working out in the AM if possible, before breakfast. But you have a point on brain glucose (actually a subject of a few books I've read recently; see Baumeister's "Willpower" and (can't remember's "Your Brain at Work")--not only are you depleted from the workout, but particularly if you don't like to work out and are using a lot of willpower, you're brain may very well be tired and undernourished.

(that's one reason I prefer before breakfast; not only does it get my ass out of bed and moving, I have breakfast as a "reward" plus a built-in rest and recovery break; by the time I get dressed and drive to work, I feel great and am ready for the day)

Also keep in mind that a "recovery week" may just make you feel more energetic to begin with. However, by the second week, I start really itching to work out again.

Post: #4

Sometimes I work out before work (which means I get up quite early to do my thing before I leave for work). I always have breakfast before, of course, as I lift weights solely (save cardio for my recreational sports or may go for a run in the park at times). I have a terrible workout if I am hungry. My strength sucks and I have no stamina.

I don't find my performance during the day increases due to a workout but it is very efficient because I don't like to have to come home and have to go and workout. I just want to chill after work (not lug some heavy ass weights around).

My best time for my body to workout is actually around 5pm. I feel very strong then, however, that's when every Joe is out in the gym so in terms of convenience, it bites major hiney.

Post: #5

Yes I agree that, logically, it's most efficient to workout in the mornings. But I wonder if performance at intellectual tasks would be better suited pre-workout. I will test this schedule out and report back in a few weeks.

Post: #6

I find it gives me a jot in the AM when I lift. I either like early mornings or late at night.. mid-day is not ideal for me.

It gets the blood going all around your body including your brain plus your brain is more wired from having to focus in on lifting so I would think it would help keep your mind more alert during the work day.

Post: #7

Im always way more effecient after a workout. My non workout days (T and Th) I come home and veg out and play Minecraft. My lifting days I clean, I do work, I write, I'm up, I'm awake, I'm alive. I ride the high until about 8 then I crash and sleep the fuck out of my bed.

For the record I've always worked out after work, I get up at 5a already and I'm not getting up at 3 so I can lift for 2 hours, shower, and then go to work heh.

Chef In Jeans
A culinary website for men

Post: #8

I liked working out in the mornings because it left my evenings free. But I made the switch to evenings because I didn't have the will power to be consistent in the mornings. Too easy to roll over and hit snooze.

Post: #9

It is actually better to work out every morning but I often do that before breakfast. I'm also a busy guy and working 12 hours a day so I need to ensure that I'm fit and healthy. I can't work out after work because I'm tired and just want to sleep after a long day hard work.

Post: #10

I usually work out in the evenings. I find that it relaxes and de-stresses me nicely after a day of hard work.

I always do a nice stretching routine in the morning and usually a little core work (pushups, crunches, etc.) to give me a little energy boost after I wake up, though.

Post: #11

I usually work out after work since I struggle to wake up early. I usually feel pretty relaxed after a stressful day at work but sometimes it can mess with my sleep.

Post: #12

Right now I'm doing the insanity workout every night after work, but I'm considering also going to the gym during my lunch hour at work and substituting a good protein shake. Anybody have any experience doing this?