Time of day vs Strength?

[DanCrase]

I was wondering, if its just me, or does anyone else notice that the time of the day affects their strength?

I usually do my S&C first thing AM (like 7am) and all is well, but on the odd ocassion i can't do that time; I have to train in the evening (maybe 7pm) and I always notice a decrease in strength and endurance, despite the fact I have more food in me by that point.

This is not just a mere case of being more tired with it being late in the day, sometimes (due to my current employment) I'll work a night shift and so I'll wake at 4pm, and if I hit the gym before work (when it's dark) I'll be weaker than if I wait till my shift ends and lift then (when its light again)

Thoughts?

[pauljono1120]

I can do alot more pullups in the morning than on a night.

[DanCrase]

I can do alot more pullups in the morning than on a night.

So you're in a similar situation

Is it something to do with the moon and sun? or is that too Pagan?

[Rosi]

Yup, strength varies with circadian rhythm (body clock).

Generally speaking, people are at their strongest at 6 o'clock in the evening, (assuming, I think, that you normally sleep between around midnight and 8am). I imagine there's a fair bit of individual variation though.

[boxingbrit]

I am always stronger at tea time than if i train in the morning. Sometimes by a significant amount

[black gerbil1]

yeah buddy, i feel weaker in the morning if ive only had one meal. later the better for me.

[LouieJ]

Train same times as you would have a match, usually evenings, that way your body gets used to being in fighting mode when the times right to fight

[DanCrase]

Yup, strength varies with circadian rhythm (body clock).

Generally speaking, people are at their strongest at 6 o'clock in the evening, (assuming, I think, that you normally sleep between around midnight and 8am). I imagine there's a fair bit of individual variation though.

I had a feeling that would be the case

I, generally, sleep 11pm - 6am

[Justin Devonshire]

I have the same problem. My body has adjusted to lifting heavy weights at around 11am, and if I try a workout after 3pm I just can't do it.


Your body will adapt to anything you repetatively do to it though, so if you persisted with training at a certain time of day, your body would come around eventually and it would feel like normal.