It can be tempting to practice yoga when you can squeeze it in, but choosing the best time for your regular practice is key to getting the most out of your practice. When it comes to finding the perfect time to train, it doesn’t have to be a strict routine or exact time of day. Depending on your personal preferences, schedule, type of yoga, lifestyle and health needs, the best time will be different for everyone. It is important that you find a time that suits your individual needs, creates consistency and fits into your daily schedule.

When is the best time to do yoga?

To determine the ideal time to practice yoga, it is important to consider the types of yoga you practice and your lifestyle commitments at different times of the day. Given your daily schedule and energy level, it can be helpful to choose a time when you feel most energized and this can give your practice full awareness and commitment. Paying attention to your body’s natural rhythms and energy cycles can also be helpful in choosing the best time to practice yoga.

The only thing to remember is when you have excess energy. For some it may be in the morning before work and for others it may be in the evening when their day is coming to an end. It is also important to consider what time of day offers the most opportunities for continuous training. For example, if you have young children, a morning routine may have the fewest distractions and allow you to find time to clear your mind and deepen your practice.

Yoga is usually practiced in the morning, noon, or evening, as there are certain benefits at these times. Practicing in the morning can help set your intentions for an energetic and productive day, while practicing in the evening can help you slow down and relax after a busy day. Each time has several different advantages and disadvantages to consider.

Yoga before sunrise

According to traditional wisdom, the best time to practice yoga is 96 minutes before sunrise, during a period of time called brahma muhurta. Yogis consider this time of day the most favorable for spiritual elevation, inner peace and clarity of mind. Sunrise is a time of new beginnings and is believed to bring with it a greater connection with the divine. Waking up earlier than usual to exercise can be difficult at first, but the rewards are worth it.

Practicing asanas and pranayama in Brahma Muhurta can lead to increased energy levels and improved spiritual well-being. The body and mind are still at rest, free of external distractions, allowing the practitioner to connect more deeply with their inner self. The pre-dawn atmosphere creates a sense of calm and peace, ideal for self-reflection and introspection.

Practicing yoga before sunrise has several disadvantages. It can be hard to find the energy and motivation to get out of bed so early in the morning. It may be too cold and dark for comfortable practice. Also, you may be too sleepy to hold poses for long periods of time.

Benefits of doing yoga in the morning

If you’re an early riser, adding yoga to your morning routine might work best for you. Doing yoga in the morning can jumpstart your day and boost your metabolism and digestion so you feel energized and productive. This sets a relaxed, stress-free tone for the rest of your day. A morning yoga practice helps build a foundation of physical and mental strength and provides a sense of well-being. This allows you to approach the day with a maximum sense of inner strength, will give you maximum firmness and determination to succeed.

If you practice a more intense form of yoga, such as Ashtanga or Vinyasa, it may be best to practice in the morning as you will have more energy and focus. Back bends and sun salutations are especially helpful for waking up the body and getting the heart rate up. Twists, flips and lying poses are easier and more comfortable to do when your stomach is empty when you first wake up. Pranayama (yogic breathing) is best practiced in the morning when the mind is clear and the body is rested.

Benefits of yoga in the afternoon

Work stress, lack of energy, and mental fatigue can combine to make the afternoon a difficult time to experience. Doing a series of yoga asanas in the afternoon can be a great boost to get you through the rest of the day. Afternoon classes are less crowded, which allows for more one-on-one time with the yoga teacher, better focus on alignment, and can make it easier to focus on your practice without distractions.

Afternoon yoga is a great way to break up the day, get your circulation going and reduce stress. It can also be a great opportunity to connect with your breath and let go of negative thoughts, worry or anxiety. Afternoon yoga is a great way to stay focused and relaxed throughout the day and return to work with greater clarity and productivity.

If you have very little time in your schedule, you can also take a lunch break. Just spending a few minutes practicing a few simple yoga poses at your desk, outside, or in a conference room is an effective way to reduce stress and invigorate yourself.

Benefits of yoga classes in the evening

At the end of the day, many people feel restless or anxious, making it difficult to settle down for the night. An evening yoga program will help you de-stress after a long day and prepare your body for a good night’s sleep. Evening exercises also help to relax tense muscles and align the spine after a day of sitting in a chair or standing at a desk. Evening yoga can be a great way to kick start your evening routine and ensure a calmer and more focused approach to the day ahead.

Evening yoga may be more suitable for night owls who don’t like waking up too early in the morning or who have trouble getting out of bed. If you practice a gentler form of yoga, such as yin or restorative, it may be best to practice in the evening when your body is more relaxed and open. The best postures to practice at this time are those that help you relax during your practice and find a balance between effort and ease. Choose asanas that help you relax and release the stress of the day, such as forward bends, gentle twists, and restorative poses, such as supported bridge pose or legs on a wall.

Yoga for your dosha time

Your Ayurvedic dosha can also determine when it is best for you to lie down on the mat. Different dosha types are associated with different practices at different times of the day, and some may be more suitable for yoga at certain times than others.

The best time for a Kapha-dominant person to practice yoga is early in the morning. Use kapha dosha energy early in the morning and in the evening between 6 and 10 o’clock, allowing you to start the day with energy or end the day with peace, balance and relaxation. Kapha is associated with the elements of earth and water, and is characterized by qualities of stability and grounding. Kapha is best balanced through practices that create warmth and energy, such as vigorous exercise, dynamic yoga poses, and active outdoor activities.

The best time for Pitta dominants to practice yoga is mid-afternoon, when the sun is highest in the sky. Embrace Pitta dosha energy at midday between 10:00 and 2:00 for a holistic view of your life. Pitta is associated with the element of fire and is characterized by the qualities of determination, ambition, enthusiasm and achievement. Pitta is best balanced with cooling activities such as gentle yoga, meditation, and restorative practices.

The optimal time for a Vata-dominant person to practice yoga is early evening, when the energy of the day is waning. Embrace the energy of Vata dosha in the late afternoon and early evening between 2am and 6am to experience the energy of creativity, flexibility and inspiration to truly see your life’s potential. Vata is associated with the elements of air and space (ether) and is best balanced through physical and spiritual practices that keep the body grounded, warm and moist.

Tips for beginners

For those just starting out, it can be difficult to commit to any time of day for regular workouts. Make sure you find a slot in your day that allows you to practice yoga without being interrupted, feeling too tired or rushed. You should experiment with different times to see which one works best for you. Find a workout buddy or group to help you stay motivated. Other tips on how to dedicate yourself to yoga include setting realistic goals and a plan to achieve them. Set a goal to exercise a certain number of times a week and gather all the tools, equipment and resources to make it happen. Creating a routine and structure to your practice time is a great way to stay consistent and get the most out of your practice.

What suits you best?

Each time has its advantages and disadvantages that should be considered when making a decision. Each time of day has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to consider your lifestyle, goals, and physical condition when making a decision. In the morning, you have an opportunity to connect with yourself before the start of a chaotic day. However, it can be difficult to wake up early enough for a 6:00 class. Practicing yoga in the evening can give you more energy and allow you to do more challenging poses, but it can disrupt your sleep cycle if you practice too intensely. It is important to weigh all the pros and cons of morning or evening yoga and decide which one suits you best. Ultimately, the best time of day to practice yoga depends on you and your lifestyle.