What's the best time to work out to burn belly fat - Experts' answer

When to train

Certified trainer Nicole Davis explained that morning workouts on an empty stomach can somewhat accelerate fat oxidation, as glycogen stores decrease after you’ve gone without food overnight. This means that the body may rely on stored fat as fuel when glycogen is low, which could potentially make fat burning more effective.

However, the key takeaway here is that morning workouts are effective for fat loss if they fit into your daily routine.

The best time of day to train for weight loss is when you can be the most consistent. So, if you enjoy waking up early, morning workouts might be perfect for you. But if you find that early exercise disrupts your day or lowers your productivity, evening workouts can be just as effective.

Benefits of evening workouts

For those who struggle to wake up early, evening workouts can be the most effective. Studies have shown that body temperature, muscle function, and grip strength are usually higher later in the day, which can help improve performance and increase calorie burning.

Evening workouts may be more effective for performance and strength training since body temperature and muscle function tend to be higher later in the day.

Thanks to improved muscle function, you'll burn more calories.

Additionally, evening workouts can help release the stress accumulated throughout the day, allowing you to relax while burning fat. If you find that evening exercise boosts your performance and helps manage stress, it can be an excellent option for weight loss.

However, it’s important to avoid high-intensity exercises before bed as it can disrupt sleep. Instead, choose moderate-intensity workouts in the evening so that you can sleep peacefully.

Other factors affecting fat loss

Hormones are one of the biggest driving factors behind workout effectiveness at different times of the day.

Cortisol and testosterone levels are generally higher in the morning, which can provide a slight advantage for fat loss and muscle building. Cortisol helps with energy, which can aid fat burning during morning exercise.

However, growth hormone, which is released after intense training and helps muscle recovery and metabolism, is better utilized during evening workouts.

Each person needs to find a convenient time and stick to it. No matter which time you choose, make sure to combine your workouts with a balanced diet and adequate intensity to see the best results.

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