Exercising is a part of everyday health – there’s no doubt about it. Nor are there any surprises when considering the benefits of doing so. Such as working muscles, helping them to develop, increasing metabolism, burning energy and calories, and allowing you to be more tired into the evenings. Which, in turn, allows for better and deeper sleep.

But there are additional factors to exercise than simply doing it, and doing it often. For instance, what time of day allows you to gain the most out of a workout? Are there times that actually diminish your efforts? And what type of schedule can allow you to be more efficient with every single trip to the gym?

In the Morning Time

If you’re a morning person (we’re talking, up before the sun and chipper from eyes open), pre-work workouts are generally the way to go. Causing you to get up at the crack of dawn and work a number of muscles before your day has even begun. However, doing so on an empty stomach or before the body is fully awake (just because you’re up and at it doesn’t mean all of your bodily functions are) can call for a less than effective workout. Especially in terms of how many calories have been burned.

Evening or Post-Work

Others would rather get their gym on toward the close of the day. Of course, this risks getting shoved off of the schedule, should something more pressing (or fun) come up, or should you be too tired after a long day of work. In certain cases, eliminating your exercise routine altogether. Waiting later in the night can also create a serious burst of energy, interfering with sleep and making you even more tired, come morning.

The Afternoon

For those who don’t work out in either of the above categories, there’s the afternoon. A lunch break, or late-afternoon slot where they take the time to get in cardio, weight lifting, or whatever other movement they prefer.

What’s unique about the afternoon, however, is its scheduling perks. While it might not be convenient for a shower or getting ready-wise, it’s actually much better for the body. It helps ditch that mid-afternoon tired feeling by providing a burst of energy. It kick starts the metabolism just as it reaches its peak for the day. (That’s to say when it’s been working the longest, not necessarily from digesting its largest meal. Though eating a bigger lunch is generally preferred to a large dinner.)

Working out later in the afternoon also helps curb hunger, while getting you good and ready for dinner. Not to mention a clear gym; most patrons attend during mornings and evenings. Though it can be difficult to schedule with work, if afternoon exercise can be done, offers plenty of perks.

No matter your normal work out time, there can be plenty of benefits from adjusting. Test out a new schedule and see just how much you can gain from a more effective routine.