Time of day making huge differene??

[crazyotter]

I was working from home for about 2 years and made it part of my schedule to hit the gym around noon everyday. I had intense workouts and was always happy with my results.

As of 2 weeks ago I had to start going into the office every morning and have been going to the gym at 7am before work. Since that time my workouts have been shit. I don't feel good, I don't get hyped about lifting and I feel that I have been losing some size (prob just mental). I take a pretty strong pre workout sup and even that doesn't seem to work as well anymore.


So can changing the time of your workout really have that much of an effect? Or is there something else going on?

FYI- I am in week 5 of a tren, test, mast and halo cycle.

 

[Anabolic5150]

I've had periods of training where time didn't matter, other times I had to train at a specific time or my training suffered.

When you are training now before work, is your mind distracted by the work day that lays ahead? Are you now training fasted where during the noon sessions you probably had at least one meal and maybe 2 or more?

A little more detail may help, also at times it just takes the body time to adjust to training at different times.

 

[crazyotter]

My work day isn`t really that stressful and I dont really think about it much until I get there, but yes my workouts are cut down to about 45 mins from the normal 1-1.5 hours. I dont really get to hit as many sets as I`d like and I cant do my normal cardio of hitting the heavy bag bc there are classes going on in the boxing room.
I wake up around 4am to eat a pre workout meal. I am getting about 8 hrs of sleep too.

I guess the main issue is that I dont get that crazy focused zoned in feeling. I dont feel like I`m putting 100% into it and thats really odd to me.

 

[Anabolic5150]

My work day isn`t really that stressful and I dont really think about it much until I get there, but yes my workouts are cut down to about 45 mins from the normal 1-1.5 hours. I dont really get to hit as many sets as I`d like and I cant do my normal cardio of hitting the heavy bag bc there are classes going on in the boxing room.
I wake up around 4am to eat a pre workout meal. I am getting about 8 hrs of sleep too.

I guess the main issue is that I dont get that crazy focused zoned in feeling. I dont feel like I`m putting 100% into it and thats really odd to me.

You didn't only change times, your whole routine got adjusted. That for me has always goofed me up. When I get to the gym and I'm psyched to do a certain exercise and the machine/equipment is broken or people are using it and I know that I don't have time to wait, my mind will wander.

Maybe try this, instead of a full pre workout, try eating half and get to the gym a few minutes earlier to get your time in. The cardio won't be possible if the boxing room is in use, but try something different. Lastly and this works for me, before I get out of the car to go into the gym (Unless my wife and baby are with me) I say to myself out loud "This is my fucking time, no one gets in my way"

Corny, but it helps me focus.

 

[sofargone561]

i used to prefer the mornings around 10am but im just to tired now and i work mornigns. i love it the best laeter at night. i bang out a nice workout suana it up go home take a nice shower and lay down and turn on a movie or somthing and pass out and get a fucking greats night rest that seems to be the best for me

 

[crazyotter]

You didn't only change times, your whole routine got adjusted. That for me has always goofed me up. When I get to the gym and I'm psyched to do a certain exercise and the machine/equipment is broken or people are using it and I know that I don't have time to wait, my mind will wander.

Maybe try this, instead of a full pre workout, try eating half and get to the gym a few minutes earlier to get your time in. The cardio won't be possible if the boxing room is in use, but try something different. Lastly and this works for me, before I get out of the car to go into the gym (Unless my wife and baby are with me) I say to myself out loud "This is my fucking time, no one gets in my way"

Corny, but it helps me focus.

Ok thanks bro. I`ll try it. Just sucks that im wasting my cycle by not putting the work in.

If it doesnt work ill just have to quit my job! lol

 

[crazyotter]

I would love to go to the gym after work but I have to pick my daughter up from daycare right after work and by the time my wife gets home its too late to go.

 

[Anabolic5150]

Ok thanks bro. I`ll try it. Just sucks that im wasting my cycle by not putting the work in.

If it doesnt work ill just have to quit my job! lol

Quitting your job may not be the best option, LOL.

Use the time you have to its fullest, shorten rest sets, maybe condense your workout a bit, focus on compound movements and skip some of the isolation moves. 45-60 minutes is plenty of time, maybe 75 minutes if doing cardio. It can be done Bro.

 

[crazyotter]

I`ll let you know how it goes.

 

[Anabolic5150]

I`ll let you know how it goes.

Please do, later!!!

 

[crazyotter]

Oh shit I forgot to tell you that I cut about 1500 cals out of my diet too.

 

[CaptainNapalm]

I think you just need to let your body adapt to the new schedule. On the other hand, I personally would find it difficult to blast out good workouts first thing when I wake up, I'm just not mentally there until about 10 am. For most people though, it's just an adjustment so give it another week and see if things improve.

 

[crazyotter]

Yeah I def don't have my head on strait at 7am. Hope youre right and I just need to adjust

 

[ctr10]

I used to work out at 5 am, I think after a while your body adjusts-The good thing is there are no equiptment hogs and sewing circles going on that early

 

[CaptainNapalm]

Yeah I def don't have my head on strait at 7am. Hope youre right and I just need to adjust

Any way you can do your workouts after work? Say 5, 6 even 7pm? I always was most productive training after work, although unfortunately most gyms are busiest around that time so depending on where you train you might get pissed waiting 20 mins for a squat rack.

 

[crazyotter]

Any way you can do your workouts after work? Say 5, 6 even 7pm? I always was most productive training after work, although unfortunately most gyms are busiest around that time so depending on where you train you might get pissed waiting 20 mins for a squat rack.

I wish but I have to get my daughter from daycare after work.

 

[Kenny Croxdale]

I was working from home for about 2 years and made it part of my schedule to hit the gym around noon everyday. I had intense workouts and was always happy with my results.

As of 2 weeks ago I had to start going into the office every morning and have been going to the gym at 7am before work. Since that time my workouts have been shit. I don't feel good, I don't get hyped about lifting and I feel that I have been losing some size (prob just mental). I take a pretty strong pre workout sup and even that doesn't seem to work as well anymore.

So can changing the time of your workout really have that much of an effect? Or is there something else going on?

Changing Workout Time

Changing your workout time definitely makes a difference in how well you perform.

It has to do with...

Circadian Rhythm

You body temperture operates off a 24 hour clock in a sine curve.

Best Performance

Your best performance (mental, emotional, physical) occurs when you body temperature is at it highest.

Worst Performance

You worst performance take place when your body temperature is at it's lowest.

Temperature Fluction

You temperature high's and low's only fluctuate a little. However, that small variance makes a big difference.

Common Sense Meaurement

Taking your temperature upon waking and ever two hours for three days will tell you what the best and worst times for you.

However, you already know that when you at your best and aren't.

Not An Early Bird

Your stuggle with your 7am workouts tell me that you are not a morning person.

You are what you are.

Our "Bilogological Clocks" are set.

That means "Night Owl" can't be chaned into an "Early Bird" or vise vera.

What may help.

Elevating your body temperature prior to your 7am workout should help to some extent.

Supplements

Thermongeinc agentes such as caffeine/cup of coffe or caffeine/ephedrine ingested about an hour before your workout may help.

Warm Shower

Before going to the gym, taking a warm shower will increase your body temperature.

Electirc Blanket

If you have an electric blanket, wake a little earlier...crank it up and lay under it for 20-30 minutes before getting up.

Basically, elevating your body temperature in some manner before you hit the gym should help.

However, it is doubtful that your 7am workout is going rival the intensity that you have at 12 noon. You aren't built that way.

Those Wacky East Germans/Charlie Francis

"The East Germans understood the role of additional heat when an extensive review of world record performances revealed how often the record setter was at the early stages of a cold and running a fever when the record was set. ...This led the East Germans to experiment with de-natured viruses to generate a slight fever immediately prior to a world record attempt!"
T NATION | High Octane Training

Kenny Croxdale

 

[Kenny Croxdale]

Oh shit I forgot to tell you that I cut about 1500 cals out of my diet too.

That will definitely shut your workout down, no matter what time of the day you train.

Kenny Croxdale

 

[crazyotter]

Changing Workout Time

Changing your workout time definitely makes a difference in how well you perform.

It has to do with...

Circadian Rhythm

You body temperture operates off a 24 hour clock in a sine curve.

Best Performance

Your best performance (mental, emotional, physical) occurs when you body temperature is at it highest.

Worst Performance

You worst performance take place when your body temperature is at it's lowest.

Temperature Fluction

You temperature high's and low's only fluctuate a little. However, that small variance makes a big difference.

Common Sense Meaurement

Taking your temperature upon waking and ever two hours for three days will tell you what the best and worst times for you.

However, you already know that when you at your best and aren't.

Not An Early Bird

Your stuggle with your 7am workouts tell me that you are not a morning person.

You are what you are.

Our "Bilogological Clocks" are set.

That means "Night Owl" can't be chaned into an "Early Bird" or vise vera.

What may help.

Elevating your body temperature prior to your 7am workout should help to some extent.

Supplements

Thermongeinc agentes such as caffeine/cup of coffe or caffeine/ephedrine ingested about an hour before your workout may help.

Warm Shower

Before going to the gym, taking a warm shower will increase your body temperature.

Electirc Blanket

If you have an electric blanket, wake a little earlier...crank it up and lay under it for 20-30 minutes before getting up.

Basically, elevating your body temperature in some manner before you hit the gym should help.

However, it is doubtful that your 7am workout is going rival the intensity that you have at 12 noon. You aren't built that way.

Those Wacky East Germans/Charlie Francis

"The East Germans understood the role of additional heat when an extensive review of world record performances revealed how often the record setter was at the early stages of a cold and running a fever when the record was set. ...This led the East Germans to experiment with de-natured viruses to generate a slight fever immediately prior to a world record attempt!"
T NATION | High Octane Training

Kenny Croxdale

Thanks bro! thats good info!

 

[crazyotter]

That will definitely shut your workout down, no matter what time of the day you train.

Kenny Croxdale

Do you think if I added like an extra 500 cals the night before that would help?

 

[ANIMALHAUS]

I would load up on carbs 60-90 minutes before your workout in the morning. This should keep you from feeling weak and tired in the gym.

 

[crazyotter]

Today was actually a lil better. I`ve upped my water intake and added ephedrine into my pre workout cocktail. I can def see that it takes me longer to "warm up" in the beginning of the workout but once I get a sweat going everything seems to get a lot better.

 

[crazyotter]

I would load up on carbs 60-90 minutes before your workout in the morning. This should keep you from feeling weak and tired in the gym.

The closest to workout time I can eat is 2-2.5 hrs before due to the pre workout stims i take.

 

[the_predator]

Time makes a huge difference to me. I have worked out at almost every time of the day being prior military. Since I got out(almost a year ago) I have either gone to the gym between 11-12 pm or 4-6pm. Let me tell you what, my weights go up 10-20pds or I'll keep the same weight and do more reps in the late afternoon then in the morning. I would guess because I am able to get two more meals in, and lots more water. I know it's hard because you feel disappointed you are not lifting what you were/should be, weight wise. I would agree with most of the above posts. If you can get some carbs/food in you before you hit the gym it would be helpful even if that means waking up earlier. I hope you can get it worked out(no pun intended). Good luck brother.

 

[crazyotter]

Today was good. woke up at 230am loaded up on some carbs and chugged water. woke back up at 530 kicked to heat up in my house and took a 30 hot shower chugged more water and got to the gym about 20 min earlier than normal. did some mild cardio before I worked out to get my temp up and had a pretty decent workout. Not crazy good like my afternoon workouts would be but better.

Thanks for all the advice guys.

 

[crazyotter]

Time makes a huge difference to me. I have worked out at almost every time of the day being prior military. Since I got out(almost a year ago) I have either gone to the gym between 11-12 pm or 4-6pm. Let me tell you what, my weights go up 10-20pds or I'll keep the same weight and do more reps in the late afternoon then in the morning. I would guess because I am able to get two more meals in, and lots more water. I know it's hard because you feel disappointed you are not lifting what you were/should be, weight wise. I would agree with most of the above posts. If you can get some carbs/food in you before you hit the gym it would be helpful even if that means waking up earlier. I hope you can get it worked out(no pun intended). Good luck brother.

I used to HATE morning PT!!!! I always had to take a shit 5 mins into a run lol

 

[Kenny Croxdale]

The closest to workout time I can eat is 2-2.5 hrs before due to the pre workout stims i take.

Pre Workout Stimulus

I cannot imagaine why you would be unable to consume anything 2-2.5 hours before your workout due to ingesting a pre workout stimulus.

Nutrient Timing/Dr John Ivy

Research demonstrates that consuming something before you workout provides a bit of a boost to your training session.

Dr John Ivy's book, Nutrient Timing does a nice job of detailing this. The book is cheap and easy to read.

Pre Workout Beverages

One of the biggest advantages of ingesting a prework beverage as well as consuming one during your workout is that doing so allows you to recover faster from your training session.

Heart Attack Medication

If you knew ahead of time you were going to have a heart attack, which would be the best time to take some medication to minimize the trama?

1) Before your heart attack.

2) During your heart attack.

3) After your heart attack.

The Answer

All of the above.

However, you definitely want to take something BEFORE.

Pre Workout Stimulants

There is no reason that anyone should have to wait two hour or more after consuming food to ingest them.

Options

1) Take them 30 minutes before you consuming something.

2) Take them 30 minutes after you consume something.

3) Take them in conjuction with your pre workout beverage.

Whey Protein, Creatine and Caffeine Coctail

Caffeine is a stimulant that when mixed with whey and creatine is "proven in numerous studies to boost workout performance, including muscle strength, endurance and workout intensity.

A recent study shows that these three supplements stacked together post workout can boost your results." Dr Jim Stoppani Bodybuilding Forums & Fitness Forums • View topic - Rucksdaddy's Corner - Whey, Caffeien and Creatine

High Glycemic Index Carbohydrate

Ivy's research, as well as others, demonstrates that consuming a before, during and post workout beverage with a high glycemic index carodhyrate creates an anabolic enviroment for muscle growth and enhances recovery.

Whey + Creatine + Caffeine + Maltodextrin/Dextrose = Results

With that information in mind, a high glycemic index carbohydrate like maltodextrin and/or dextrose should be added to the whey/creatine/caffeine mix.

Other Stimulants

I doubt the addition of other stiumlant to the mix would counter their effect.

Kenny Croxdale

 

[crazyotter]

Pre Workout Stimulus

I cannot imagaine why you would be unable to consume anything 2-2.5 hours before your workout due to ingesting a pre workout stimulus.

Nutrient Timing/Dr John Ivy

Research demonstrates that consuming something before you workout provides a bit of a boost to your training session.

Dr John Ivy's book, Nutrient Timing does a nice job of detailing this. The book is cheap and easy to read.

Pre Workout Beverages

One of the biggest advantages of ingesting a prework beverage as well as consuming one during your workout is that doing so allows you to recover faster from your training session.

Heart Attack Medication

If you knew ahead of time you were going to have a heart attack, which would be the best time to take some medication to minimize the trama?

1) Before your heart attack.

2) During your heart attack.

3) After your heart attack.

The Answer

All of the above.

However, you definitely want to take something BEFORE.

Pre Workout Stimulants

There is no reason that anyone should have to wait two hour or more after consuming food to ingest them.

Options

1) Take them 30 minutes before you consuming something.

2) Take them 30 minutes after you consume something.

3) Take them in conjuction with your pre workout beverage.

Whey Protein, Creatine and Caffeine Coctail

Caffeine is a stimulant that when mixed with whey and creatine is "proven in numerous studies to boost workout performance, including muscle strength, endurance and workout intensity.

A recent study shows that these three supplements stacked together post workout can boost your results." Dr Jim Stoppani Bodybuilding Forums & Fitness Forums • View topic - Rucksdaddy's Corner - Whey, Caffeien and Creatine

High Glycemic Index Carbohydrate

Ivy's research, as well as others, demonstrates that consuming a before, during and post workout beverage with a high glycemic index carodhyrate creates an anabolic enviroment for muscle growth and enhances recovery.

Whey + Creatine + Caffeine + Maltodextrin/Dextrose = Results

With that information in mind, a high glycemic index carbohydrate like maltodextrin and/or dextrose should be added to the whey/creatine/caffeine mix.

Other Stimulants

I doubt the addition of other stiumlant to the mix would counter their effect.

Kenny Croxdale

Kenny,
I was always told to take stims on a empty stomach. If i still have food in me when I take them I start getting nasty indigestion (burping up shit).

 

[Kenny Croxdale]

Kenny,
I was always told to take stims on a empty stomach.

Whoever told you that was wrong...which doesn't suprise me.

The majority of individuals handing out information are a bit clueless.

If i still have food in me when I take them I start getting nasty indigestion (burping up shit).

It depends on what you ingest, how long your took it before your workout, etc.

I've never had problem with any workout beverage taken before or duing my workouts...nor have others who do so.

So, it might be you...it might be what you ingesting...it might be a lot of things.

There are certain things that I steer away from consuming. I found that out throught trial an error.

That means, some experimention is necessary on your part.

I simply provide information. How you or any use it is up to you.

Kenny Croxdale

 

[the_predator]

Yeah I would force myself to shit before morning PT. After a while it just became regular. PT was so intense most days if I didn't shit I really would have shit myself. The best thing now...I do cardio and if I got to shit, I stop the treadmill and go shit.lol