Early Birds vs. Night Owls
From dawn to dusk, the Strength & Conditioning room hours cater to all workout preferences
While some people prefer grinding at the gym with the sunrise, others would rather vibe in the dark. The busiest times at the Student Rec Center are the mornings and the evenings. Those who prefer convenience, schedule their workout time between noon and 4pm when classes are in session.
“[For me,] it depends on the crowd that’s here, but the sweet spot for the main Rec has been [from] 12 to 4,” Ryan Jackson ’28 said.
Yet the question still stands: Even with countless research on the matter, there is no clear winner in sight.
The Early Birds
While others are lethargically ticking things off their to-do list at 8am, like getting caffeinated and ready for school, early birds have already gone through an entire gym routine.
“I like doing weights when I work out in the morning since it isn’t super busy,” Olivia Owens ’27 said. “When it’s busy, people wait for you, and it’s kind of uncomfortable when they are staring at you while you’re trying to do another set.
Beyond the gray interiors, the dumbbells and the machines, the appeal of a morning workout lies in those glimpses of the sun, the cool air on your face and the emptiness of the gym. The morning breeze after a sweaty session seems to make the body hurt a little less and the muscles breathe a little more.
“[The sunrise] is pretty nice,” personal trainer Joseph Velasco ’27 said. “It’s a little cooler in the morning, so I ride with the windows down.”
From a scientific lens, morning workouts have health benefits as well. According to Healthline, they can help regulate blood pressure, improve sleep and promote steady energy levels throughout the day.
Whether you rise with the sun or recharge after dark, the Rec has a place for you. Our Strength and Conditioning room stays open from 6 a.m. to midnight most nights of the week, giving you plenty of time to find your fit.
In-Betweens
Some people aren’t stuck to the extremes. They can workout at any time of the day — their only goal is to get it done. According to Health and Mayo Clinic’s website,, the body’s ability to absorb oxygen is more conducive in the late afternoons and early evenings. The body feels neither groggy nor overly energized— a biological sweet spot for gymgoers.
“I normally work out between 3pm and 5pm,” Nick Ungar ’26 said. “It’s convenient. When I get out of class, I’m on campus, and I don’t have to go out of my way [to work out]. It’s right here.”
The Night Owls
After a long day of school, work and countless other responsibilities, there is still one thing left on the to-do list — exercise. For many, the gym serves as a stress buster after a hard day’s work.
“[Going to the gym at night] helps me work out all my stress for the day and it helps me have a less restless night,” Shivani Iyer ’29 said. “The best part is knowing that I’m actually working towards having a good night’s rest.”
Night workouts have been a part of an ongoing debate on whether they are disruptive to quality sleep. In an article published by Houston Methodist, Dr. Ram explained that exercise raises core body temperature and heart rate, which can interfere with sleep quality. However, the effects vary from person to person: some see no changes in their sleep cycles, while others do.
For those who work out at night, the experience can be social as well as physical. The weight room attracts more than 150 night owls, offering chances to meet new workout buddies or indulge in a little people-watching.
“[Night workouts are] fun because the place has a lot of energy and you see all kinds of people,” Monvi Sachdev ’26 said. “Once, I saw people having a push-up contest, [and] it felt like a mini-show.”
Early Birds or Night Owls: The Rec Fits Your Clock
The Rec supports both the early birds and night owls by keeping its doors open from 6am to midnight Monday through Thursday. From sunrise yoga to late-night bench presses, there’s something for everyone. Start your fitness journey at any of the 3 main Rec Sports facilities!
Written by: Angeline Nappoly
