Someone asked me recently why I exercise in the morning.

They assumed I must be super motivated, naturally disciplined or there was a scientifically proven health benefit.

Honestly?

It's not for any of these reasons.

I love a lie-in.

I have no burning desire to be up before 6am.

And trying to fit my habits around every new bit of research would be a full-time job, I’d never actually get round to doing anything.

But I do love how I feel once I’ve moved my body and morning is the time that works best for me.

Not because it’s scientifically superior.

Not because it burns more fat.

And definitely not because I’m more energised first thing (I’m usually not).

But because it fits.

The real reason I exercise in the morning?

It’s in the diary.

It’s booked.

And I’m accountable.

Because let’s be honest, it’s rarely the intention that’s missing.

It’s the follow-through that’s hard.

I had a conversation recently with someone who kept meaning to get to the gym but never quite did.

The motivation was there, the desire was real, but the plan just didn’t hold up once the day got going.

That’s where accountability comes in.

For some of my clients, it looks like:

Booking a 1-to-1 or small group session with a personal trainer
Committing to a class (like Wake Up and Workout Online) where they know someone will notice if they don’t show
Arranging to meet a friend for a walk, gym session, or swim—even if it’s only once a week

We all show up more consistently when someone’s expecting us.

Not in a high-pressure way, just enough structure to make it feel real.

So, when is the best time to exercise over 40?

Simple: When it fits your real life—not your ideal life.

When you’re:

Most likely to follow through
Least likely to feel pulled in other directions
Most able to enjoy it without pressure or guilt

And don’t underestimate the power of location, either.

One of the reasons I love online sessions is that I don’t need to travel, pack a bag, or think ahead.

I roll out of bed.

Move my body for 45 minutes with lovely people.

Jump in the shower.

Start my day feeling clear and capable.

Lunchtime is a close second for me.

I’ll often go for a walk between meetings or run errands on foot when I can.

But morning is the time I’m least likely to make excuses.

And that matters.

What’s your best time?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here.

The best time to exercise over 40 isn’t about chasing early mornings or following trends, it’s about finding what works for you.

That might mean:

The time you’re most likely to follow through
The time you’re least likely to get interrupted
The time you actually enjoy it and don’t feel rushed or resentful

And it’s okay if that time shifts week to week.

Mine does too.

That’s why I take a few minutes at the end of each week to look ahead at my diary, so I can spot the days when my usual rhythm will work, and the ones that might need a tweak.

A little planning goes a long way in helping me stay consistent without adding pressure.

Because consistency isn’t about doing the same thing every day, it’s about knowing what’s realistic for this week and making it feel doable.

Need help getting started, or finding your flow again?

If you’re stuck, unsure where to begin, or just want a fresh perspective on how to make movement work for your life right now, I’d love to chat.

Book a free call with me here.

Together, we’ll explore what might help you feel better in your body, build consistency without guilt, and create a routine that feels good, not forced.