Does It Matter What Time of Day You Walk?

Q: I work until midnight. When I get off work I still have a lot of energy and don’t want to go to bed right away. Is it OK to walk that late, or should I wait until morning? My problem with walking in the morning is that my energy level isn’t as high and I tend to find excuses not to walk.

A: Seems to me you’ve answered your own question! There is nothing wrong with walking late at night, as long as it doesn’t give you so much energy that you can’t fall asleep when you want to. I’ve spoken with many people about this over the years. Some say walking late keeps them awake, others say it works out great. So try it, and see if it works for you.

Of course, I assume that you are walking indoors, on a treadmill. Unless you live in a very safe area, walking alone after midnight can be risky.

If you don’t have a treadmill, then I do suggest waiting till morning for your walk, for safety’s sake. When you first start walking in the mornings, you may feel your energy is low. But if you make it a habit to get out there and walk, you’ll find your body adjusting, and the morning walk will energize you. So don’t put it off. If you can, find a friend to join you in the beginning, to help you make it a habit. Before you know it, you’ll look forward to your morning walks.

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