Whether you’re brand new to Pilates or are a seasoned practitioner, you may be wondering whether there is a best time to do Pilates.
The short answer is no. Honestly, any time you partake in Pilates, you’re caring for your body and your mind.
But there are benefits to working out at different times of day depending on your goals and intentions. They are as follows:
Waking Up With a Morning Workout
If you’re a morning person, you may be naturally inclined to work out in the A.M. Doing Pilates in the morning can be a great way to set your foundation for the day. It can improve focus, mood, and mental clarity before you launch into the busyness of the rest of the day. There’s also some evidence that points to morning workouts supporting making healthier eating choices throughout the day.
One thing to consider about a morning practice is that your body will be tighter and stiffer than later in the day. So you want to be intentional and mindful in your movements. This works out well for Pilates though, since these are hallmarks of the practice.
Additionally, you should consider how you’ll fuel your body for an early practice. Some people are fine on an empty stomach and then fueling up later. But if you need food to power yourself and you’re not up for eating first thing in the day, you’ll probably benefit from a later practice.
Resetting in the Middle of the Day
On the other hand, you may be among the folks who don’t feel awake and inspired to move until a few hours into the day. And that’s okay. You have the option of a midday workout. Plus, the body tends to be warmer and more open at this time of day, allowing you to tap into improved strength and coordination.
The middle of the day may also be a time when you experience an energy slump. Especially if you’ve been sitting or doing the same activity all morning. Doing Pilates in the middle of the day can combat this fatigue and help break up the day. It’s an amazing way to reset, both physically and mentally, and reenergize you for the rest of your day.
Ensuring you have enough energy to move through your midday workout is important though. Loading up with a heavy lunch is generally not recommended before doing a Pilates workout. So you’ll probably want to plan to eat a nutritious late morning snack to give you the power you’ll need. Then perhaps a light lunch after.
Winding Down With Evening Pilates
Maybe you have the kind of schedule that keeps you straight through the day with barely a break. And while that works for you, you may find that at the end of the day, you’re holding on to tension and stress. A slower and more restorative Pilates practice in the evening might be just what you need.
Evening workouts, even those that aren’t intense, are amazing for releasing the pressure of a long day. And this is key in ensuring that your body is prepared for restful sleep. That said, you don’t want to do your evening Pilates too close to bedtime because you want to give your body ample time to cool down and relax.
So schedule it out a couple of hours before your head’s planning to hit the pillow. And have a protein-rich snack to help with muscle recovery.
What’s YOUR Best Time to Do Pilates?
There are clearly benefits to practicing Pilates any time of the day. If you’re unsure what time works for you, you’re best bet is to experiment. Is there a certain time that makes you feel more energized and allows your body to move more freely?
The bottom line is, life is hectic. So the best time for your Pilates practice is whatever time allows you to be consistent and fits into your schedule. That means that one day you might do a morning class, the next day it might be in the evening. And that’s okay!
Are You Ready to Experiment?
If you’re looking to advance in or are just considering Pilates in the metro Detroit area, contact us today.
We offer a variety of classes – both on the mat and the reformer – taught by highly experienced Pilates instructors.
We’ll help you find the best time to do Pilates that fits your schedule, keeps you consistent, and makes you feel good.