Do you burn more calories in a morning workout than an evening workout, or is it just a myth?

Your body burns calories at the same rate no matter what time of day it is. So, contrary to popular opinion, training in the morning does not burn more calories than later in the day. If you train on an empty stomach before breakfast, any calories burnt will be replaced when you eat breakfast.

Weight loss will only occur if you burn more calories than what you eat for breakfast.


There are certain benefits and disadvantages to working out at specific times, though:

• You can push yourself more in an afternoon workout. Your body is most suited to physical exertion at this time. Your strength and endurance capacities are improved and your body temperature is at its highest between 4pm and 5pm, decreasing the risk of injury.
• A morning workout lifts your mood. People who train regularly in the morning feel more energetic and happy throughout the day.
• Exercising before you work ensures you get regular exercise. It can be too easy to put your gym session in the "too-hard basket" at the end of a long and tiring work day.
• Exercising late at night can work against some people's natural hormone cycles and make it more difficult to fall asleep.