Are you an early bird or a night owl with your workout routine? You may prefer one to the other depending on your schedule or the type of exercise you want to do. So when is the best time to do Pilates?
Both morning and nighttime Pilates classes offer their own benefits. It comes down to how the time of day affects your body and mind along with your routine. We’ll break down the benefits for each to help you decide which is best based on your fitness goals.
By the end of this blog, you can make the decision that is right for you.
The Benefits of Morning Pilates
If you’re an early riser, morning Pilates offers a way to start your day and get off on the right foot. Some of the benefits from a morning Pilates workout are:
Improved Circulation
According to a 2019 study by the American Physiological Society Journal, your circulation is at its highest when you wake up and then lowers throughout the day.
When you get your body moving first thing in the morning, it acts as an extra jumpstart to your circulatory system. This will keep your circulation higher as the day progresses opposed to those who do not start their day with Pilates or other exercise.
Those with improved circulation report a stronger immune system, shorter recovery times, and healthier skin.
Better Focus and Energy
With your blood pumping, all of your synapses are firing, that groggy feeling when you first walk into work becomes a distant memory and you hit the ground running to start your day.
Morning Pilates works all of that out of your system so you can put forth your best self for the rest of the day.
Boosted Metabolism
Morning workouts are linked to increased metabolism throughout your day. You see the best results from a morning Pilates class if you don’t eat beforehand.
Fasted workouts use stored energy like body fat to push through these workouts. This leaves you feeling lighter and boosts your metabolism for the rest of the day.
The Benefits of Nighttime Pilates
If your schedule or workout style isn’t a fit for a morning Pilates class, nighttime classes offer several benefits as well.
Improved Flexibility
As opposed to mornings after just waking up , your body is typically much looser and able to move to its full range of motion in the evenings. This added flexibility with warmed up muscles makes stretches feel deeper and more fluid.
Higher Energy Levels
If the grogginess in your mornings is getting the better of you, an evening Pilates class will be more beneficial. Now that your body has eaten, moved around, and hydrated (hopefully you’ve had some water today) you can better perform the necessary motions to get the most out of your Pilates class.
Restful Sleep
After a long day filled with stress, an evening Pilates class allows you to unwind and decompress. Your evening Pilates workout class acts as a mindful transition between your hectic work day and your quiet evening.
According to a Sports Medicine study cited by Harvard Health, those who work out and avoid high-intensity exercise at night report improved sleep quality. With the low-impact nature of Pilates, a nighttime class is a great option for your fitness plan.
Fitness Goals Can Determine the Best Time
Your goals may affect when is the best time for you to do Pilates. Morning Pilates classes are often best for those looking to achieve the following:
- Healthier habits
- Improved focus
- Increased energy
Nighttime Pilates classes align with those looking for:
- Better recovery
- Stress relief
- Mobility
If you are strength training, Pilates is best performed before your workouts. This enables you to activate your core muscles and improve movement before lifting heavy weights.
Your body will respond differently based on your sleep, nutrition, stress levels, and hydration (seriously, drink some water). Try both and see how you feel afterwards.
Consistency Over The Clock
The truth is, there is no correct answer for when is the best time to do Pilates. A morning class to promote healthy habits can be just as effective as a nighttime class to unwind.
Stop wasting time searching for the “perfect” workout and focus on one you can maintain consistency with from week to week. A few signs a time is working for you include:
- Sessions feel easier
- Energy improves with no crash
- Feeling recovered instead of exhausted
- Workouts fit naturally into your schedule
- Motivation is steady
At the end of the day, it is all about showing up and putting in the work. Make a plan that fits your goal and schedule, then stick to it.
Find the Best Pilates Routine at FIT AS FIRE
When is the best time to do Pilates? How about today? Pilates is a low-impact exercise that is great for people of all ages, sizes, and workout experience. The best day to start was yesterday. The second best time to start is now.
FIT AS FIRE offers modern Pilates classes as early as 6AM and as late as 7:30PM. You can start or end your day with a great Pilates workout led by our expert instructors. Find a studio near you and schedule a day or night class and see which is best for your fitness goals.
