How to Have the Best Evening Workout Ever

Published September 10, 2015 03:16PM

If your morning starts early and a midday workout isn’t an option, an evening workout might be the only thing that fits into your busy schedule. Getting into the groove of consistent nighttime workouts can prove to be tough for people who prefer to exercise in the morning; if you can relate, remember these tips to make sure to stick to your late-night workouts and have a better overall experience.

Pay in advance

It’s harder to bail on an evening workout when your hard-earned money has already been spent. This makes such a big difference — and is a major reason I’ve never skipped out on a SoulCycle class or a prebooked yoga session. Register ahead of time whenever possible! It’s one of the best ways to make sure you stay on course and commit to your workout.

Time meals right

Eating a big dinner and heading straight to a workout can zap your energy and lead to digestion issues. No matter what time of day you choose to exercise, make sure to plan your workout two to three hours after your meal. This might mean eating dinner at the office before you head to the gym or having a light post-workout meal ready to go once you get home. Try eating at different times to find that sweet spot that supports your workout performance.

Go straight from work

If you head straight home after a long day, you won’t be as likely to stick to your workout — some nights that couch looks too inviting! Instead of making a pit stop at home, prep all your workout clothes the night before and bring your gym bag with you to work. If you need to stop at home before your workout, don’t spend time sitting on the couch or catching up on calls. Drop your things, change clothes, and get moving.

Stay hydrated

Dehydration can lead to cramping, lack of energy, and a slew of other issues that can hinder your workout. Make sure you’re drinking water all day long at the office plus right before, during, and after your workout. Not only will this ensure the best workout possible, but you’ll also wake up the following morning feeling energized and ready to take on another busy day.

Pencil it in

Even with the best intentions, it’s easy to skip workouts, opt for other activities, and realize on Friday evening you haven’t worked out once all week! Treat your evening workout schedule like you would an important business meeting — it’s an event that’s set in stone. Write down your workouts in your calendar to help them stick and to prevent you from double booking.

Go in with a plan

If your only option is working out late at night, chances are, your schedule is pretty tight. Instead of wasting any precious time dawdling around the gym, show up with a plan in place. You can always head to a group fitness class or print out one of our challenging cardio routines, but remember: you can always get an effective sweat session in at home with all our video workouts.

Dress the part

When you love to exercise outdoors, it can be tough to drag yourself into the gym — just because you have to work out later doesn’t mean you can’t get outside! With that said, it’s important to be extracautious with your routine and your workout wardrobe late at night. If you’ll be hitting the streets, stay safe with reflective gear, and while it might be tough, consider leaving your headphones at home, so you’ll be more aware of your surroundings. Check out our other safety tips for outdoor nighttime workouts.

Have a reward ready

Knowing that there’s something fun ready for you after a workout will keep you on track. Think about how amazing it will feel to relax and recuperate or reconnect with friends after you’ve gotten a serious workout under your belt. Just be sure to plan things far enough out in the evening so you can kill that time with an awesome workout.