Dawn breaks, but does that mean you should break into a sweat? The morning vs. evening workout debate has long simmered, with advocates on each side professing that their way of working out is better than the other.<\/p>\n
People generally fall into one of the two camps\u2014those who like to \u201cget it out of the way\u201d in the morning, so they can feel better about themselves throughout the day as the endorphins trickle through, or those who prefer an evening workout to wash away hours of slouching in front of a screen<\/a>. But is sunrise better than sunset when it comes to getting sweaty? Or do those fitness night owls have it right when pumping iron as dusk settles? We asked the experts to find out.<\/p>\n Benefits of a morning workout<\/p>\n There’s something to be said for starting your day on the front foot. Contrary to how you feel after switching your fourth alarm off, you’re at your most primed to hit the rowing machine<\/a> or elliptical<\/a> in the morning, thanks to your body’s built-in oscillations, called the circadian rhythm. \u201cCircadian rhythm research offers some intriguing insights,\u201d says Daniel Glazer, clinical psychologist and co-founder of US Therapy Rooms<\/a>. \u201cIn the morning, body temperature and heart rate rise naturally to help us feel alert and energized. Exercising [at this time] can boost feel-good endorphins and kickstart focus<\/a> for the day ahead. Therefore an early workout for clients struggling with mood or motivation issues could reap the most benefits.\u201d<\/p>\n Exercise naturally heightens your levels of endorphins<\/a>, the so-called \u201cfeel good\u201d hormones, giving your body some welcomed pep for the day ahead. A morning workout can also help control stress by regulating the release of cortisol. \u201cExercise early in the day has been shown to lower cortisol levels<\/a>\u00a0throughout the remainder of the day,\u201d says Alanna Kate Derrick, certified personal trainer and senior contributor at Gold BJJ<\/a>. \u201cBy stimulating the body with movement upon waking, we establish healthy cortisol rhythms and improve our ability to manage stress.\u201d<\/p>\n A morning workout can also make it easier to establish a routine. Cortisol has been found to play a role in habit formation<\/a>, meaning that getting up and at \u2018em when these levels are naturally higher could make it easier to stick to a proper fitness regimen and even reset your body for a healthier night\u2019s sleep. \u201cFor those looking to regulate a sleep schedule, exercising in the morning\u2014especially when coupled with exposure to natural light\u2014can help to establish a natural circadian rhythm,\u201d says Eloise Skinner<\/a>, London-based psychotherapist and group fitness instructor, \u201cwhich is great for anyone looking to reset after traveling, or deal with jet lag.\u201d<\/p>\n Ian Hitchcock\/Getty Images<\/p>\n Benefits of an evening workout<\/p>\n