When is the best time to exercise?

I read in a book that you should always eat two to three hours before exercise so that you dont become to tired. Makes sense. I've also read its best to exercise in the mornings, which I do. However I get up early and run before I've eaten...then I come back, shower, get ready for school and only then do I eat before leaving. Is this unhealthy? Cheers xXx

It's best to eat within 20 mins after your workout because you absorb nutrients faster. Be sure to eat your oatmeal and some protein( a protein shake would go great with breakfast!)

But is it unhealthy? It's healthier than not exercising at all. But eating within those 20mins could make a difference.

There are advantages and disadvantages to exercising at different times. Morning exercise can increase your metabolism all day long which is good if you are trying to loose weight. However, in the morning you are not as strong or flexible as you are later in the day making strength training less productive and leaving you more prone to injury.

Perhaps it would be best to do your cardio in the morning and your resistance work in the evening. It is hard enough for me to find time for 2-3 sessions a week let alone 2 a day.

I wouldn't worry about exercising on an empty stomach unless you are doing a long workout. When I need a little something to get me through a long workout I usually eat a Clif bar.

Research on lung funciton, body rhythms, temperature, and hormone levels says one thing - to exercise around 6 pm.

Surveys on exercise habits say another - to exercise in the morning before other commitments distract you, or during the day when you have a free period of time. Let's explore the pros and cons of when to exercise.

Mornings

Pros:
• The majority of people who exercise consistently do so early in the day. It is easier to form the exercise habit through morning exercise.
• Fewer distractions and schedule interruptions.
• Can make time for exercise by getting up a bit earlier.
• Raises your heart rate and metabolism to burn more calories earlier in the day.
• Gives a feeling of physical energy for hours.
• Improves your mental acuity for hours.
• Cooler temperatures in summer.
• Air pollution is lowest in the morning.
• The body adjusts to your exercise time, so if you are training for a morning sports event, train in the morning.

Cons:
• Body temperature is at its lowest 1-3 hours before awakening, making morning a time of naturally lower energy and blood flow.
• Cold, stiff muscles may be more prone to injury - be sure to warm up well before doing a higher intensity workout, and do gentle stretching.
• If you do not enjoy morning exercise, you won't easily form a habit by choosing a morning workout time.
• Because body temperature and hormones are higher in late afternoon, you probably get the same or better calorie-burning effects later in the day.