When's the Best Time to Workout?

Are you a morning workout person?  How about noon, early afternoon, after work, late evening?

I don't know if there's any one particularly good time to workout.  I'd just like to share some thoughts, get your feedback and ideas and help inspire you to just get 'er done.  Consistency is the key to any fitness/workout program.  So that's the single most important factor - when do you like to workout?

Morning - Pro's - get the workout done early and don't have to worry if you'll workout today, also it kick starts your metabolism and burns extra calories during the day.  Also very good for people who like to workout outside in hot climates.  The gym may be less crowded in early morning.  Con's - if you have any injuries it may take longer to warm up in the morning and working out without warming up and stretching can cause injuries, aggrivate existing ones or make it longer to heal.

Noon - Pro's - great for people who work and can take a lunch break and workout, nice break in the work day - creates more energy and clearer thinking in the early afternoon when most folks are in a low energy mode.  Con's - may not have enough time to properly warmup/warmdown, and also may be a tendency for you to "wolf" down your food (how'd they get such a bad rep?)

Early Afternoon - Pro's  - my personal favorite time.  I live in a climate that is cool a lot of the year.  Both the external temperature and my body are warmed up and ready to go.  Also, I get up early and start work - I'm the type to just go, go go ... so this is a wonderful time for me to take a break, re-energize & workout.  Often, I'll cool down, then rest a bit by reading educational, business or fitness books on the couch before I go back to work.   Con's - can't think of any - help me out here people :)

After Work or later in Evening - this time takes the most discipline - many people are tired after work and the temptation is to just rest and say "I'll work out double tomorrow" ... well, those tomorrows add up fast.  Pro's - your work is done, you can workout without the stress of having to return to work.  Great way to reward yourself, also good for hot climates, social workout people have many people to talk to at the gym between sets, many areobic classes are offered at this time.  Con's - procrastinators or tired people may be tempted to skip the workout, some folks have more trouble sleeping if they workout late, may postpone dinner time (although studies are now showing that time of eating is much less important than what you eat and how much).

Whatever time is best for you, I highly recommend putting it in your calendar or planner and being consistent.  I remember when I was running 60 - 100 miles a week - my body was sooooo tired, and I dreaded working out sometimes ... I'd just plan out the time to run, and then trick myself into STARTING the workout - I'd say - "Jimbo, just get your running clothes and shoes on and go out the door" - and once I was out the door, the workout would be great ... so get those workout clothes on and just "START" your workout ... you can reply to this post later ... OK, GO!  have a great day everyone :)