Alright, I don't think this was really covered in any of the stickies, so I'll just post this:

I'm slowly planning out how I'm gonna get back into exercising, better dieting, etc. I was considering as far as exercising, going to either a gym or doing some home workouts (have a small set of weights/dumbbells and/or might get P90X or anything similar). I work swing shift, so my workouts would either have to be around late morning or after I get off work.

I looked around and there's a 24 Hour Fitness just ~3 miles from where I work. My idea was that I could do all my exercising after work. Once my work day is over (at midnight), head to the gym, do my workout, then come home (around 1:30 maybe.) In that scenario I'd be hoping to get to bed around 2 AM or so.

Is exercising bad if it's right before you go to bed? I read it's best if it's at the start of the day, but is it necessarily bad to do your workouts so close to bedtime? If I had the chance I'd definitely prefer to hit the gym after work, since I typically have other stuff to tend to during the day, before I head off to work. If working out at night is a bad idea, I might go the P90X route.

So what do you guys think? Any advice?

 

I could be wrong, but I think the worst thing about working out before bed would be that your body is still pumped up from your workout and thus it may be difficult to fall asleep.

 

Yeah I'm sure that could happen. However my hope is that by the time I get home, get something to eat, etc. I'll be tired enough by the time I get to bed.

Was mostly unsure if sleeping after a workout could have any adverse effects on muscle gain or your metabolism.

 

It will mitigate your ability to gain properly due to nutritional requirements that those hours. Your body will need faster acting carbs and proteins immediately following a workout routine, which won't be an issue...so let's say you nail this and go to bed...

...the issue will come in 2 hours later when you're sleeping. Your body will be requiring a slower burning protein, but you will be void of any such footstuffs, thereby throwing you in to a catabolic state (muscle burning) for your entire sleep cycle.

SO...can you do it? Yeah. Should you? Not recommended.

 

Well if I take a fast acting protein right after my workout, maybe a small portion of protein right before bed, then another fast acting protein when I wake up, would that alleviate any of that?

 

Yeah, you can try. there are different brands of protein that have slow and fast digesting protein mixed in.
something like syntha6.

that way, you have that immediate protein fix right after a workout, but also at the same time while you're sleeping the slow digesting proteins are at work.

 

Yeah I remember seeing a site where they had a list of all the different kinds of protein available, but I can't seem to find it. I don't mean to sound desperate or anything. Just trying to figure out my options.

Like I said before, I'd prefer to do a workout after work, but if it's really going to be detrimental to any amount of progress, then I'll go the alternative.

 

How old are you?
Age plays a big part with muscle growth

Also, everyones body is different. what works for one, might not work for you specifically.
I would just try your plans and see how well things are working out in a month or two.

 

23. I have a fairly good metabolism already, so hopefully I'll be able to get away with the more unorthodox methods.

and I just read up on Casein protein. Apparently it's actually really good to take before bed, digests slowly. Anyone have any input on this? Seems like most of the info on this forum is more centered around Whey protein.

 

I mentioned syntha6. it has casein and whey and other fast and slow acting proteins.
1 shake after a workout and you'll be covered for at least 12 hours.

Syntha 6 is pretty pricey, and I have been using off brand blends of fast and slow digesting proteins. i forgot the brand im using now, but it has both.


and at 23, you're in your prime. you'll have no problem reaching your goals even using unorthodox methods.

 

I take Casein before I go to bed. It's a great slow digesting protein (~6hrs or so) vs. Whey which is fast.

Gold Standard sells the two separate kinds and love them both.

 

Drop the caesin, take non-fat cottage cheese and natural PB instead. Protein is a SUPPLEMENT...nothing beats real food.

 

Not trying to be a dick, but please substantiate this claim.

 

I agree that food is superior in every way, but protein is one supp that has it's place. The only one I really advocate.

If anything, I'd suggest him eating a little food along with casein so that it will continue to digest and ensure that there is a steady supply of protein/nutrients until he wakes up and can get some more fuel (food) in his body when he wakes up.

 

True, he can mix a shot of caesin in to the cottage cheese, haha WARNING: It tastes like ass.

 

I go by the advice I got that protein is needed every 3 to 3.5 hours for activities such as weight lifting. I'm using syntha 6, noticed I'm losing fat as opposed to using muscle milk.

I work out in the morning and at night. I quite often have sleepless nights, but still get really good results.

Working out at night before bedtime, and eating a good meal and a protein supplement should keep you rock solid.

 

I also have the same problem. The only time I get to work out is late at night when my day is free. I don't know how detrimental it is to my body, but I do know that I "feel" better throughout the day when I work out in the morning. I can't help but to work out almost right before bed time. But hey, a workout before bed is much better than no workout.

 

I know how you feel. When I was in college I was able to workout in the mornings or early afternoon. I loved it. Now its after 8:30pm. Sometimes it's difficult to stay motivated.