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View Full Version : Peak muscle strength is higher at 6 pm compared to 6 am ?



Glenda Bozett
02-28-2009, 08:38 AM
In the July issue of the International Journal of Sports Medicine, researchers examined peak strength at four different times of the day (7-8 am, 12-1 pm, 5-6 pm, 10:30-11:30 pm) for two consecutive days. The researchers reported that on the morning values were significantly lower when compared to the rest of the day.

There are many variables which can affect a lifter’s ability to generate peak force; however none of the variables measured (sleep, stress level, normal circadian rhythms of the person (morning or night person) had a significant effect on the outcome. This study was similar to an earlier study which had subjects perform peak isometric strength parameters at 8-9 am, 1-2 pm, and 6-7 pm; peak strength was greatest between 6-7 pm. When they compared the percent increase from session to session, there was a 2.76% increase from the morning to afternoon session, but an 11.13% increase from the afternoon to the evening session5. Similar results were also reported in the Journal of Electromyography and Kinesiology where it was found that peak muscle strength was higher at 6 pm compared to 6 am4. The average increase in strength from morning to evening was 4.6%. Clearly this is not a psychological issue yet more of a physiological condition.

This is not the first study to demonstrate this effect; at least two other studies have demonstrated peak strength to be higher at 6 pm than at 6 am2, 3. This means much like there are changes in GH/cortisol throughout the day; it appears there are also circadian rhythms in strength during the day with strength being higher in the afternoon/early evening.

P.S. article published on MD Feb/ 27th. 2009

ThePoser
02-28-2009, 12:56 PM
Very possible, because at 6am I am still sleeping!!!

Pryme
02-28-2009, 04:09 PM
I believe it, I very feel like I get a good workout in the morning, I have always liked working out at night more.

anthony1992
02-28-2009, 05:06 PM
interesting thanks

Big Al
03-01-2009, 11:43 AM
I feel much stronger in the evening, than in the morning, even if I worked all day. Feels like I'm sort of primed for a good workout in the evening.

DaveV
03-01-2009, 11:48 AM
Wouldn't this relate to that you've eaten more meals by 6pm than 6am (assuming you get up in the morning and not at night). More calories = more energy.

Big Al
03-01-2009, 11:57 AM
Wouldn't this relate to that you've eaten more meals by 6pm than 6am (assuming you get up in the morning and not at night). More calories = more energy.
That's probably the case, plus usually you much happier after your work day is done, and you finally can do your favorite thing. The mental aspect of it.

greuceanu
03-01-2009, 05:47 PM
I'm definitely stronger at 6pm.Might have to do with the fact that i'm awake though.

Glenda Bozett
03-01-2009, 09:16 PM
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red barraca
03-02-2009, 09:07 AM
i think this is true.having 1 meal before 6am workout,vs 5meals before 6pm workout.not fare to compare with 6pm peak muscle strength.

BK
03-02-2009, 12:40 PM
I thought that your test. levels peaked between 2 and 4 p.m. Maybe I am wrong.

gman
03-02-2009, 03:16 PM
Not me, I am 20% weaker in the afternoon. I always feel like shit when I lift after work.

DECABEATZ
03-02-2009, 03:31 PM
Very true !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Thats why i train at 730pm in the morning i just dont get those good workouts mind and phsyical like i do at night.................

Glenda Bozett
03-02-2009, 04:34 PM
I am stronger early in the morning, but unfortunally I have to train at 1:00 pm :(

MichaelWayne
03-02-2009, 06:08 PM
Doesn't matter if I work or not, anytime after 3pm is when I train. Any earlier, I lose focus too easily and feel week.

Wheels
03-03-2009, 03:12 PM
I always prefer to train in the evening.

ChunkyThunder
03-13-2009, 07:39 PM
I used to go to the gym at 8pm but now due to work I am forced to go at 8:30 am.... I don't feel as good but I still make gains

Voland
03-15-2009, 09:45 AM
Maybe...but to me the crucial fact is how much i sleep and specially how good i sleep.
If i sleep awesome (rarely, if ever) i have breakfast and then lift.
If i sleep poorly or not sleep i'll try to train al 3pm, unless i feel weak, then i won't train.
Light workouts are pointless to me.