What is the best time to do yoga? Here are the advantages and disadvantages to practicing in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

 

What is the Best Time to Do Yoga?

What is the Best Time to Do Yoga?

 

While you might have the luxury of practicing yoga any time you want, most people have obligations, such as work and children, that dictate what time of day is the best to practice. There are advantages and disadvantages for each time of day.

Obviously, your choices are morning, afternoon, and night. In my experience, each time of day has its advantages and disadvantages. Remember that whenever you practice, it’s best to wait at least 1 to 2 hours after eating.

Is Morning the Best Time To Do Yoga?

Is morning the best time to do yoga? I love practicing yoga in the morning. It’s been many hours since I’ve last eaten, so my stomach is completely empty. Typically, I get up early, take a shower, make a cup of organic green tea with hibiscus and head to my outdoor yoga space. I put on some Hindu chants–honestly, sometimes I listen to NPR–and spend 1 ½ to 2 hours on my practice.

ADVANTAGE: When I practice yoga in the morning, I am the most consistent with my practice.

DISADVANTAGE: Your muscles are a bit stiff in the morning, rendering you less flexible than in the afternoon or evening.

What do I wear to my first yoga class?

What do I wear to my first yoga class?

Is the Afternoon the Best Time To Do Yoga?

Is the afternoon the best time to do yoga? I rarely practice yoga in the afternoon, as I find it conflicts with my eating schedule. However, many studios and health clubs offer afternoon classes so folks can do yoga on their lunch breaks. I imagine afternoon practice works very well for busy people who work in close proximity to a yoga studio or health club. I would think this might also be a good time to practice yoga for stay-at-home moms–after morning errands and before the kids get out of school.

ADVANTAGE: Convenient for some busy people.

DISADVANTAGE: Conflicts with lunch.

Is the Evening the Best Time To Do Yoga?

Is the best time to practice yoga in the evening? If you practice yoga at a studio or health club, you will find that most classes are in the evening. Between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., you can find a wide variety of yoga classes. If I’m in a situation where I go to a studio for classes in the evening, I practice regularly. If I schedule my home practice in the evening, I am not as consistent as I am in the mornings. However, if you have windows in your yoga space, these windows turn into mirrors when it’s dark outside and you can perfect your postures.

If I’m in a situation where I go to a studio for classes in the evening, I practice regularly. If I schedule my home practice in the evening, I am not as consistent as I am in the mornings. However, if you have windows in your yoga space, these windows turn into mirrors when it’s dark outside and you can perfect your postures.

ADVANTAGE: Many studios and clubs offer classes at this time.

DISADVANTAGE: Tired after work.