Working out at night (after 9pm)

[Anonymous]

For the first time in my life, I have been working out regularly (4-5 days/week for the past 9 months) and I really want to continue the progress. However, my work schedule and commute changed this week and due to a combination of my/my husband's schedule, the only time I'll be able to fit in a workout is after 9pm. I have examined all possible early morning, lunchtime, and early evening options, and none will be possible for at least the next two months.

I'm not a night owl and prefer to be in bed by 10, up between 5:30 and 6:00, so I'm not thrilled about this. I'm also concerned about how eating dinner around 7 will impact my workout as it tends to be the only meal I don't eat on the fly. I'm training for a race so at a minimum, my workouts will consist of running 3-5 miles and some strength training. Is this even doable? Am I going to be up all night on endorphins?

[Anonymous]

A shower helps me wind down after evening workouts.

[Anonymous]

I couldn't do it. I actually had to be finished working out by 8pm though ideally 7:30 pm, otherwise I'm awake, staring at the walls all night. But try it - see how it works for you.

[Anonymous]

DH does it. He gets home from work 7-8ish. and will go after saying goodnight to the kids. We then eat dinner at 9pm.

I don't know how he does it. Sometimes it is a run around the neighborhood. We live 2 blocks from our gym--so sometimes he goes there.

He WAH on Fridays so can go to his boxing gym at a normal time then.

PErsonally, nighttime/evening was my preferred workout time pre-kids. I am not a 'morning' person. I can't get moving until later in the day. I did read some people have pre-set times for optimum performance. But- I have been able to re-train myself some. I WAH so I know have to get the workouts in prior to school pick up and work meetings...which means I now am 7:30-8am sometimes. rough for me!!

[Anonymous]

If you go to bed that early, why not workout in the mornings? Particularly if it's only temporary. I wake up at 4 to workout (and still get beat by a few of my friends!) and vastly prefer it over a late evening workout. Regardless, why not try it both ways and see what works best.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:If you go to bed that early, why not workout in the mornings? Particularly if it's only temporary. I wake up at 4 to workout (and still get beat by a few of my friends!) and vastly prefer it over a late evening workout. Regardless, why not try it both ways and see what works best.

How do you manage your evenings so that you get enough sleep. I currently get up early to work out, and would love to get up even earlier, but struggle with getting to bed before 11pm.