With Christmas and Summer nearly here, it’s time to decide on looking cool in those swimming togs or “not happy Jan.”

For weight loss, muscle building or simply your overall health and wellbeing, the time of day you choose to work out is important. Get your summer body ready with these simple tips!

Start early! Training while fasting means your workout is fuelled by energy stores rather than the energy intake of the day – hello fat burn! While it may be easy to turn the alarm clock off and roll over, training early has proven very beneficial for those wanting to lose weight. Studies show that early morning gym-goers are more likely to stick to their training goals and nutritional goals than late trainers. Starting your day in a healthy way you’re more likely to make better health choices during the day.

For those who have trouble sleeping, morning training is also the better option. After you train, your energy levels are boosted with endorphins running wild and your brain being fired up.

Strength training and muscle building? Work out later..

If it’s strength and muscle building you’re focussed on, try a later work out. Fuelled from meals during the day, your body will allow you the strength to lift more. Your lungs are at their best at this time, boosting endurance capacity. Testosterone is also more responsive in men and women, allowing the optimal time for muscle response and growth.

A later workout also assists in injury prevention as your heart rate and blood pressure are at their lowest, resulting in improved muscular strength and performance. Fitting in an exercise at any time is obviously better than not at all. Besides, squeezing in a workout during your lunch break is beneficial for relieving daily stresses and boosting blood flow to your brain, making you sharper for your afternoon duties.