HEALTH

Daily exercise is important to stay healthy, but the time of day you fit in your workout can also impact your well-being. The ideal time differs from girl to girl, so you’ve gotta figure out when it feels best for you. It takes a little experimenting, so to help get you started, here are the benefits of working out for each part of the day.

For those willing to leave the comfort of their bed, working out in the morning can often be a fab energy booster for the rest of the day. Depending on when you wake up for school, though, it might be too dark to get outside and run a few laps. Unless you can get to a gym this early, it’s easier and safer to exercise in your house. Jumping jacks are a great way to get some cardio action in, and you can do planks and crunches anywhere. Just don’t forget to stretch—you don’t want your body to be aching later in class! 

Afternoon 

Sporty girls may already get an afternoon workout in with after-school practices, but you don’t have to be on a team to get the benefits of exercising at this time. With the sun gradually setting sooner, the afternoon is the best time to squeeze in an outdoor activity. Go for a brisk walk, jog or bike ride with your bestie, or spend a few hours on a Saturday out hiking– it’s the best way to see all of fall’s pretty leaves. If you have homework to do afterwards, make sure you don’t tire yourself out with a super intense workout. Lighter exercising is better in the afternoon to refresh and clear your head. 

Evening 

As a teen, it’s trickiest to exercise in the evening. You should hold off on a workout until two hours after eating a big meal. If you eat an early dinner, then this could work for you, but you also have to give your body two hours before bedtime to settle down. Planning an evening workout can mean that you have to get your fam to help out, so if this is the best time for your schedule, have a family gym night. Or, instead of watching TV after dinner, pop in a yoga DVD that everyone can enjoy. Or, use your laptop to do a more intense workout DVD. Score!

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