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"Exercise scientists are forever debating the pros and cons of working out early in the day versus later in the day. This just in: The latest research points to the [benefits of exercising *before* breakfast](http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/15/phys-ed-the-benefits-of-exercising-before-breakfast/?src=me&amp;ref=general).\\n\\n\\n\\nA new study found that subjects who were put on a high-fat diet and worked out before breakfast gained no weight after six weeks, while those who worked out after breakfast gained 3 pounds (those who didn't exercise at all gained 6 pounds).\\n\\n\\n\\nThat's great, but is it really smart to work out on an empty stomach? And what about those of us who shlep to the gym post-work -- are we at any sort of physiological advantage or disadvantage?\\n\\n\\n\\n![[#image: /photos/57d8e6ce46d0cb351c8c7375]||||||](http://blog.self.com/health/blogs/healthyself/sneakers-fi296.jpg)\\n\\nAfternoon Exercise\\n\\n\\n\\n*Pros:* According to experts who study circadian rhythms -- the natural highs and lows we experience throughout the day -- body temperature generally peaks between 2 and 4, which may make your muscles more pliable, so you perform better with a lower risk of injury.\\n\\n\\n\\n*Cons:* Working out too close to bedtime may leave you too amped up to get a good night's sleep. ** And as you go through your day and responsibilities tend to pile up, working out is more likely to fall off the to-do list.\\n\\n\\n\\n\\\"I'm a believer in morning exercise because you *get it done*,\\\" says exercise physiologist Amy Dixon, group fitness manager for Equinox in Santa Monica, Calif. \\\"If you wait until later in the day, you are more tired and a little grumpier and have a better chance of skipping it altogether.\\\"\\n\\n\\n\\nMorning Exercise\\n\\n\\n\\n*Pros:* You kick-start your metabolism -- [especially if you strength train](/health/blogs/healthyself/2010/10/workouts-that-take-the-least-t) -- so you burn more calories throughout the day.\\n\\n\\n\\n*Cons:* Your muscles are more rigid, and your body needs fuel. Start your workout with 5 to 10 minutes of light walking to get the blood pumping and warm up the muscles (they're like taffy -- as they heat up, they get more pliable). In terms of breakfast, Dixon recommends eating a small snack or a piece of fruit such as a banana before your workout. Then, within an hour of completing your sweat session, she says to chow down on 15 to 20 grams of protein (trail mix, yogurt with almonds or a whole wheat english muffin with peanut butter) to replenish and rebuild your muscles.\\n\\n\\n\\nOur verdict: Since the odds that you'll actually make it to the gym are better in the a.m., we're all for starting the day right. How about you?\\n\\n\\n\\nRelated Links:\\n\\n[Sign Up Today! The Jillian Jump Start Diet!](/tips/jumpstart/welcome)\\n\\n\\n\\n[34 De-Stressing Snacks for Weight Loss](/fooddiet/2010/12/destressing-snacks-for-weight-loss-slideshow#slide=1)\\n\\n[20 Superfoods for Weight Loss](/fooddiet/2008/07/foods-for-weight-loss/)\\n\\n\\n\\n[Use This Tool to Analyze Your Meal -- and Make Smarter Choices](http://nutritiondata.self.com/)"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.self.com/story/the-best-time-of-day-to-workou>