WHEN do you .... ??

"When's the best time to do 'x'?" or "When is the best time to eat 'y'?" are common questions Coaches get in this line of work. The answer is always the one people don't want to hear;

"The best time to do 'x' / eat 'y' is the time that works for you and that you can be most consistent with!"

... Sorry, it's true. 😂

I was asked the other day when I do my walks "in the mornings". My answer was, I don't typically walk in the mornings, I most often walk in the early afternoon. This goes back to the common answer the best coaches give to the above questions...

1) I work 4/5 mornings per week. I love having a coffee and reading my book in the morning as well. So even on those mornings where I start at 7am and "technically could go walk", I'd not only be rushed, but I wouldn't get in this time that I enjoy.

2) I have EVERY afternoon off. Monday to Friday I know that lunch time and just after is FREE and I have time to walk, run, hike etc...

These two points cover the CONSISTENCY side, as well as a bit of the "WORKS FOR ME" side. And here's another thing that works for me that I mentioned to this person...

3) Afternoons are more quiet. Yes, I know mornings are peaceful and wonderful (that's why I like taking it in on the porch with my book and coffee). But...

-Folks are also out in the mornings before work because they don't have time or opportunity later

-People walk their dogs before work (sometimes even on leashes! 🫣)

-Cars are on the road heading to work

In the afternoons, most people are working and kids are at school. The roads, woods, water... whatever I choose as my activity that day, tend to be quieter. Including traffic since people are already where they need to be. That's my happy place. 🥰

Reminder: Our health practices DO NOT need to be "perfect"

My time works for me and is more easy to keep consistent; but it's not "perfect". The issue at that time of day (as we all know from the summer of 2025) it can get HOT. The way I look at it though, depending on the day/week/season it can also be snowy, rainy, windy, cold etc... I mean if we look later in the year, my time a day is often the warmest part of those wintery days. 😉

I simply adjust my walking/running (or other activity) pace, time and/or distance so that I'm not destroying myself out there and so that I feel good and want to do it again!

"Zen Quickie" Quick Tip...

If someone says "x" is the best exercise to do...

If someone says "y" is the best time to eat...

If someone says "z" is the best time to do your exercises...

Find another go-to for information. 😂 YOUR health is about YOU. Only you can give a definitive answer. Which is why coaches will often answer a question, with another question that has you having to think about YOURSELF. In this case - When is your "best" time? 🤔

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*Fun note to end this "Zen Quickie" ➡ In my twenties when parties were more abundant, I began answering the question "what do you do for a living?" differently than I did fresh out of college. Once people heard "Personal Trainer", "Conditioning Coach", "Health & Fitness Professional" I'd get the questions mentioned at the start of this post: "What's the best {fill in the blank}?". And that was usually topped off with a follow up story of all things the person does or doesn't do for their health. Meanwhile I'm NOT working, I didn't ask and you don't have an appointment... Oh! And I just want to enjoy the party with my friends. 😂 It's fun the first year or so and then it becomes REALLY challenging to deal with.

Even Michael Boyle (long time elite athlete Strength Coach in the USA) began answering the same question with "I'm an entrepreneur" to avoid all these questions that don't have a straight out answer.

My mission in these later years of my career... (or maybe mid-way???) is to help push that reminder that we are ALL different and there are SO MANY wonderful ways people can live healthy and happy lives.