It’s no secret: exercise is great for your health, your figure — and for tackling cellulite! One question that comes up for beginners and seasoned athletes alike is the ideal time to work out: to fight cellulite, is it better to exercise in the morning, at lunchtime or in the evening? Here are our tips!
Working out early in the morning?
Are you a morning person? Great news — exercising in the morning is ideal for tapping directly into fat reserves and targeting stubborn dimples. That said, make sure you have a light snack and drink something before your session to avoid dizziness or injury. In the morning, skip anything too intense, as blood pressure tends to be higher at this time of day — no need to push your body too hard! This is the perfect slot for a gentle workout: yoga, Pilates or a stretching session. Swimming or brisk walking are also excellent options. On top of helping you fight cellulite, a morning workout kickstarts your circulation and fills you with energy and positivity for the day ahead. So don’t hesitate to set your alarm a little earlier to fit in your session.
Working out at lunchtime?
Many of us choose to exercise between noon and 2 pm — and for good reason. When days are already packed, the lunch break is often the most realistic window for a workout! It’s also a smart choice if you train before eating, as this encourages your body to burn stored fat. Just make sure you have a snack at least an hour beforehand to keep your energy up. It’s also a great way to release muscle tension and get your blood and lymphatic circulation moving again after a morning spent sitting at a desk! To target cellulite, opt for moderate-intensity activities such as running, aquabike, cycling…
Working out in the late afternoon?
To stay in shape and smooth away orange-peel skin, late afternoon is often the best time of day — both physically and mentally. Exercising at this hour helps clear your head and unwind after a long day, and your body is at its physical peak. Core work, strength training, stepper, boxing, climbing, Zumba… this is the time to give it your all and really go after that cellulite! Feel free to train up until 8 pm. Any later and your workout may start to interfere with your sleep.
Now you know: any time of day is a good time to exercise and work on cellulite — the key is to listen to your body and adjust the intensity accordingly!
What to eat before and after your workout?
Nutrition plays a key role in preparing for your session. It’s what gives your body the energy it needs to handle physical effort. To perform at your best, it’s recommended to have a complete, balanced meal 2 to 3 hours beforehand, giving your body enough time to digest. That meal should include plant or animal proteins (tofu, lentils, eggs, lean meat…), cooked vegetables and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbs provide a steady release of energy throughout the hours that follow.
If your workout is scheduled more than 3 hours after your last meal, have a small snack about 30 minutes before.
If you prefer to exercise first thing in the morning, don’t skip a light bite just before your session — your body needs fuel after hours of fasting overnight. A good option could be a bowl of fromage blanc with honey, a handful of nuts or a banana.
During physical effort, your body draws on its energy reserves. To recover well and keep everything functioning properly, refuelling is essential — and that means eating right. The ideal post-workout meal includes plant or animal proteins to support muscle repair, complex carbohydrates and cooked vegetables. To optimise recovery, aim to eat within 2 hours of finishing your session.