Morning or Evening Yoga: When Should You Practise?
Is it better to do yoga in the morning or the evening? The best time is the one you’ll actually stick to. But morning and evening practice do feel different, and knowing how can help you plan your week.
Morning yoga
Sets the tone for the day. Starting with movement and breathing makes it easier to stay calm when the day gets busy.
Gets it done. Fewer things get in the way at 6am than at 6pm. Morning practice is often the most consistent.
Wakes up a stiff body. You’ll probably feel tighter first thing, so warm up gradually and don’t force deep stretches.
Best classes: Raw Flow or Raw Power to energise you for the day.
Evening yoga
Undoes the day. Hours of sitting, screens and stress get shaken out before you head home.
Your body is warmer. Most people are more flexible later in the day.
Helps you sleep, if you choose the right class. Slow classes help you wind down. Strong classes finished close to bedtime can leave you wired.
Best classes: Raw Yin or Long Slow Deep to switch off. Read yoga for sleep for more.
Side by side
| Morning | Evening | |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | Wakes you up | Winds you down |
| Flexibility | Stiffer at first | Usually looser |
| Consistency | Easier to protect | More likely to clash with plans |
| Sleep | Helps indirectly | Slow classes help directly |
What about lunchtime?
A midday class breaks up a long day of sitting and resets your focus for the afternoon. If you work near Albion, a lunch class is one of the easiest ways to fit yoga into a working week. Read yoga for desk workers.
Our recommendation
Pick the time that fits your life and protect it. If you can, mix them: a strong morning class early in the week and a slow evening class later. Classes run seven days a week, so check the timetable against your diary.
Frequently asked questions
Should I eat before morning yoga?
A light snack is fine if you’re hungry. Avoid a big meal for a couple of hours beforehand.
Is it OK to do strong yoga at night?
Yes, if it finishes two to three hours before bed. Closer to bedtime, choose slow classes.
I work shifts. When should I practise?
Read yoga for shift workers for fitting yoga around a roster.
Find your time
New students get 10 days unlimited yoga for $48. Try a morning and an evening class and see which suits you.