You may have friends who swear by a Pilates workout session early in the morning, others who look forward to evening exercise, and a few who will eat a sandwich at their desk rather than miss a lunchtime Pilates class. While some have a preference, there are actually advantages to a Pilates workout anytime of the day!
A Case for Pilates in the Morning
If you need a natural way to flush out your organs and wake up your body, consider planning a Pilates workout in the morning. Without the caffeine or a sugary breakfast bun, Pilates in the morning can help start your circulation, brighten your mood, and give you energy for the day ahead. An AM workout is also a great solution if you know you can’t otherwise fit a workout in during the day or if you’ve got plans already made for the evening.
If morning is the best time for your Pilates, be sure to eat a light breakfast and warm up the body before practicing. You’ll need some energy and those muscles ready before you get moving.
How About Pilates in the Afternoon?
If you tend to get sluggish in the afternoon, lunchtime Pilates sessions can perk up your metabolism and make you feel great. Midday or afternoon Pilates offer terrific brain-boosting energy to help you focus and be productive for the remainder of the day.
Afternoon Pilates can also help you sleep better by positively affecting the body’s ability to regulate circadian rhythms that controls sleep patterns and even influences mood. If lunchtime is the right time for you, only eat a light lunch or snack first to avoid any digestion issues or discomfort.
Don’t Forget About Pilates in the Evening!
A Pilates session after a hard day’s work or a stressful schedule can help release anxiety and reduce stress. The key for a successful evening workout is to try and avoid high-energy exercise at the end of the day when the body is beginning to wrap up and shut down. To help wind down and clear your mind after a busy day, plan on a more relaxing and easier pace Pilates in the evening, such as a restorative Pilates class.
Eat a small snack or leave a couple of hours after dinner before beginning your workout. If you go for Pilates at dusk, try and do it on a regular basis and end each session with a gentle routine to train your body to accept rest afterward.
No matter when you decide to – or can – do your Pilates workout, don’t make it a dilemma or a chore that takes away from the pleasure. There’s really no “right” time and, because fitness is such a positive in your life, you will reap the advantages of each workout whether morning, noon, or evening. The most important thing is to be consistent and stick with your workouts to get the most out of Pilates!