I've tried doing cardio in the morning, but I get sleepy after lunch and have to take a nap. If I do it at night, sometimes I can't sleep. Would like to know what time has worked best for you?
My cardio consists of treadmill, and sometimes the stair stepper. I'm thinking of doing swimming in the evenings. At least that won't get my heart rate too high, I think.
Do you eat a heavy meal after? Maybe that's why you feel sleepy after lunch.
How long have you been doing this? If you are just getting started, take it slow because your body needs to adjust. Anyway, try sticking it out a little bit longer, and you'll see that eventually, you will feel energetic through out the day... I know I did...
I agree with Meatlover. Sometimes you just feel that way in the beginning. Once you get used to it, you won't feel so tired anymore. Also, be sure to take lots of water before, during, and after your exercise. It'll help reduce strained muscles and will help you recover from the workout faster.
I tend to perform much higher in the evenings (hard bicycle rides or SPIN classes), but much prefer a good 5:30 am spinning class. If I lift weights in the evening, sleep like a baby. If it is cardio centric, my workout keeps me up late. One thing that has helped for the late night sessions is to immediately blend cold, organic grape juice with two large scoops of whey protein. Tastes great, and the whey makes me sleepy. Do not use chocolate flavor!
Good luck with your training, realize you wrote this quite a ways back, what is the current status?
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