What is the best time to do yoga? The best time to practice yoga depends on your schedule. 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 they can practice. 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, its best to wait at least one to two hours after eating.
Yoga in the Morning
Is the 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 tea and head to my yoga space. I put on some Hindu chants – honestly, sometimes I listen to NPR – and spend 1 ½ to 2 hours on my practice. I find when I practice yoga in the morning I am the most consistent with my practice. The disadvantage to doing yoga in the morning is your muscles are a bit stiff, rendering you less flexible than you are in the afternoon or evening.
Yoga in the Afternoon
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.
Yoga in the Evening
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 and 9 pm, you can find 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.