Should I do Pilates in the morning or at night?

They say the early bird catches the worm. But, is that true for Pilates? Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, we’re looking at the optimum time to do Pilates to reap the most benefits for your body.

Pilates in the morning…

Many of us roll out of bed with not much time to spare before we begin our working day. Or, many instinctively reach for their mobile phones to catch up on the news, browse social media feeds or watch content.

However, beginning the day with movement is known to be a great mood-booster. It gets your blood pumping and energises your body, making it a fantastic way to start the day. You may just find you can skip your morning coffee, too.

If you have a fast metabolism, it’s recommended that you eat a light snack after your session. That way, you won’t be struck with the mid-morning hunger pangs.

In the winter months, this will help to warm up your muscles and make you feel better about showing up for work. An extra five minutes warm-up before you start may be required to prepare your body, particularly as our body temperature is naturally lower in the early morning.

One of the most notable benefits of doing Pilates in the morning is that you’re less likely to skip a session. If your day unravels or you feel tired after a long day, you may talk yourself out of exercising. However, if you’ve already done your workout for the day, it doesn’t matter how your day pans out.

Pilates at night…

Had a stressful day? Pilates is a great way to unwind and reconnect with your body. Stress can result in tension. Easing this tension can help reduce the likelihood of developing physical stress responses, such as headaches. It can also improve your mood and resilience.

If you are performing a more vigorous or energetic routine, it’s recommended that you avoid heavy meals several hours before. That gives your body time to digest and will avoid stomach discomfort.

A workout in the early evening will also increase your ability to sleep, as you’ve used up some physical energy before bedtime. This is particularly useful if you have a desk job that doesn’t give you the opportunity to move around and be active.

What about afternoon Pilates?

The afternoon can be a sluggish moment in our working day. Many of us may reach for a coffee or caffeinated beverage to keep going. However, a bit of light Pilates could work wonders to bring you back to an energised state of mind. It also wakes up your metabolism - useful for digesting lunch.

Depending on your work requirements and environment, midday Pilates may not be an option for you. But, if you work from home and have a flexible schedule, this could be worth a go. Roll out the mat and enjoy some ‘you’ time during a busy day.

What’s the verdict?

There is no ‘best’ time to do Pilates. Showing up at all is the best thing you can do. You don’t need to change your routine, you just need to find the best time for you. You may find that keeping a consistent schedule helps you show up and makes your body feel prepared. Or, you may like to shake things up a bit and switch between morning and evening Pilates. Whatever works for you is fine.

By trying both, you can discover what makes you feel good.

Buy Pilates equipment for your home

Thinking of taking up Pilates or enhancing your current routine? We have all the advanced Pilates equipment you need to get started and grow your strength, including popular reformers.

Ready to feel stronger and healthier in your body? Shop online at Gymkit for a smooth checkout and delivery experience.