Exercise is beneficial no matter what time of day you choose to work out. It can help you improve your brain health, maintain a healthy weight, improve sleep, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles and generally improve your ability to do daily activities.

Being consistent is key—choose a time of day that fits with your schedule and make it a routine habit. People tend to stick with their workout routine when they work out in the morning, as there are fewer distractions and less chance of scheduling conflicts that require cancelling a workout. Morning workouts can also increase your energy and productivity throughout the day, with the added benefit of freeing up your evening for other activities.

A big benefit to afternoon or evening workouts is that you may have more time and can use exercise to de-stress and leave the day behind you. By working out in the evening, you can get extra sleep in the morning.