One of the most frequently asked bodybuilding questions involves the most effective time to train, with many wondering if morning weight training workouts are superior for muscle growth. In fact, many bodybuilders make the effort to wake up earlier so that they can complete their weight training workout, feeling that this is the most effective method for consistent muscle growth. Yet, is this true? The answer is not as obvious as some may believe.

A vital bodybuilding technique for achieving maximum muscle size increase is intensity, which simply means that full effort must occur throughout every weight training set (except warm ups), and this concept involves disciplined mental focus that will dictate the type of overall muscle gain produced. In order for a weight training workout to provide a sufficiently intense level of focus and output, the bodybuilder must physically feel capable of engaging in the given weight training workout, and this very factor will determine when a bodybuilder best plans a weight training workout for sustained muscle gain.

Many are wise in scheduling weight training workout sessions early, as they either enjoy their largest energy surge upon awakening, and feel the greatest motivation to engage in a weight training workout session at that time, or, due to very busy work and family obligations, cannot possibly schedule a weight lifting workout session at a time other than early in the day, prior to pursuing many personal obligations, therefore requiring such a structure. But some who attempt to pursue early weight training workouts despite having the time to train in the afternoon or evening must consider their own emotional and biological response to stress, and if they feel that early weight training allows them to provide the same level of mental focus and physical effort as a later weight lifting workout, then they are free to continue following such a practice, but if a bodybuilder feels a surge in energy and motivation during later hours, far beyond what is experienced earlier, then clearly, schedule permitting, the most advantageous time for that particular individual to engage in a weight training workout is in the later hours, when he or she is able to focus maximum physical and mental effort towards intense weight training.

One other variable that must be considered is whether a specific weight training time allows for superior consistency, as some who pursue early morning weight training may find that on certain days, due to fatigue, they sleep later, and begin skipping workout sessions due to lack of motivation. The bodybuilder must then determine if moving the weight training workout later in the day is possible due to potential scheduling conflicts, and if making such a change is realistic, then this will be the best choice to aid in consistency.
Although weight training at various times each day is acceptable, and can work well if a bodybuilder is extremely dedicated, most weight lifters will find that performing their workout sessions at approximately the same time each day increases the chance of long term dedication, as scheduling, a very important aspect in keeping humans on task, can force a bodybuilder into regular weight training workouts through eventual habit, while to the contrary, regularly modifying weight training workout times can easily allow a bodybuilder to begin skipping workout sessions without experiencing any sense of loss.

Although scheduling weight training workouts at identical times is preferred, those with constantly changing work shifts may have no choice but to engage in workout sessions at changing times based on their specific work hours, yet it's best to try and plan ahead as much as possible to determine when those workout times will be so that, mentally, there is a level of accountability towards completing weight lifting obligations. This is superior to the haphazard approach that many bodybuilders adopt, which normally results in missed workout sessions.

An important factor in producing maximum muscle growth is to select a time in the day when physical energy is at high levels, and I recommend staying with this same weight lifting schedule if work and family obligations allow. Although there is no perfect time to perform a weight lifting workout that fits every bodybuilder, as this will depend upon personal circumstances and obligations, there is no doubt that the most important criteria in deciding when to schedule a workout will be to select a time when maximum mental and physical effort is possible, which will lead to an intense, productive weight training experience.