When is the best time to go to the gym?

Finding the time to go to the gym and building a routine that is structured to your lifestyle can help you ensure success and help you to make the most of your workouts. A good schedule can encourage good habits early on that will keep you on track and avoid falling into the trap of an unused gym membership.

In this blog, we are going to take you through all the key things to consider when choosing the best time to attend the gym, including when the busiest and quietest times for gyms are, so that you can find the perfect opportunity to experience workouts that fit your needs and schedule. 

Why is it important to consider what time to go to the gym?

Everyone is different when it comes to finding the best time to get in your exercise, so it is important to consider what works best with your lifestyle as well as how the peak times at your gym might affect your workout. There are a lot of people who might find a busy gym intimidating or maybe are unable to have a successful workout when there’s a queue for the machine they want to use. 

Others, however, may find a busy gym motivating and enjoy the buzz of an eccentric atmosphere. Therefore knowing what’s best for you can be the difference between a successful and unsuccessful workout as well as a gym routine that will keep you motivated.

Is it better to go to the gym early morning or at night?

Unfortunately, there is no definitive answer to this question, it’s all a matter of what your needs are and what will fit in best with your regular schedule. There are many benefits and drawbacks to both morning and evening gym sessions. In order to help you figure out whether it’s better to go to the gym in the early morning or at night, we’ve split up all of the pros and cons of early morning and evening gym workouts below.

Pros and cons of going to the gym in the morning

Many people work out in the morning because it allows them to get their workout out of the way at the start of their day so they can focus on other priorities. Morning workouts also have been shown to have several benefits, from boosting your mood early on to an increased metabolism throughout the day.

However, for some people, the one drawback to early morning workouts is that your body may not be at full strength so soon after waking up, and this can hinder how effective your workouts are. Usually between 2 pm and 6 pm, your body temperature is at its highest which increases muscle function and strength so your workouts will be more effective during these times than in comparison to a 7 am workout.

Pros and cons of going to the gym in the evening

Working out at night is a great way of burning off extra calories you’ve consumed during the day and will also boost your metabolism before bed which can contribute to better sleep. Evening or nighttime gym sessions can also help regulate your blood sugar levels after dinner or a late-night snack. You will also have more energy to burn as you will have consumed food throughout the day which can contribute to a more effective workout.

However, if your late-night workouts are too intense, they can have the opposite effect and can cause disruptions to your sleep, such as having trouble falling asleep and waking up during the night. This is because intense workouts can trigger a stress response and cause cortisol disruption. So ensure you’re giving yourself a few hours before bed to wind down from your workout for a restful night. 

People who work out at night can also find it harder to build consistency than those who work out in the morning as there’s more time to get sidetracked, make spontaneous plans and experience a decrease in motivation after a long day.

What times are gyms least busy?

No matter if you’re leaning towards morning or evening workouts, you’ll still want to find a time that will provide you with the most suitable outcome. For example, if you wake up at 5 am to avoid the crowds, you might find your body is too tired to workout effectively, or if you want to enjoy the buzz of a busy atmosphere and attend at 6pm you may find that you're held back by a lack of available machines. Finding the perfect time to go to the gym will allow you to enjoy a balance between having the right atmosphere and having an effective workout. Below you can find a list of all the quiet and busy times in gyms, to help you find the optimal time for working out.

Quiet times to attend the gym

It’s also important to take into consideration the days you’ll be attending the gym, for example, 6pm on a weekday will be busier than 6pm on a weekend, so if you’re looking to go at the same time everyday to build a routine, you should consider whether you’ll hit peak times. - 

6am - For most gyms, this will be the time the gym opens, making 6 am a quiet time to attend and it’s also before the 7 am rush.

10am - At 10am people will have gone to work and therefore the gym will be a bit quieter.

2pm-4pm - This is right after lunch when everyone has gone back to work but before the working day ends. 

8pm onwards - The crowds will start to trail off as everyone is heading home and completing their after-work gym sessions. 

Busy times to attend the gym

If you’re looking to enjoy the buzz of the crowds while working out at the gym then Saturday morning will be the best time to do your exercise. Weekend mornings tend to be a bit busier as everyone is off from work and can fully focus on their workouts without rushing off for their shifts. This means they’ll be busy enough for you to enjoy the buzz of an energetic atmosphere without being so busy that you’re waiting hours for a machine to become available. If weekends aren’t an option for you, then these times indicate when the busiest periods are through the weekdays:

7am-9am - The gym will be bustling with those who are getting in their workouts before they start work for the day. 

12pm-1pm - This time of day will be filled with people getting in a quick workout on their lunch breaks.

5pm-7pm - People have finished work for the day and will be heading to the gym before they head home.

The best time of day to go to the gym for your body

If you don’t mind how busy or quiet it is and you just want to workout when your body has the most energy so you can enjoy an effective workout - then the best time to hit the gym is between 2 pm and 6 pm.

Your body is able to perform at its peak during this time as your temperature increases during the day and optimises your muscle function, strength and enzyme activity, which is essential for endurance performance - making it especially great for those who enjoy an intense workout. 

Get gym-ready with Avec Sport

No matter what time you decide to head to the gym, the most important thing is that you’re incorporating regular workouts into your routine. Exercise is a big contributor to both your mental and physical well-being, however, staying consistent can be hard if you don’t have the right gear to prepare you for a successful gym session. 

Browse our full gym clothing collection here at Avec Sport to discover a kit that will support your workouts and push you towards your goals.