Morning or evening: Research reveals the best time to exercise
Recent research led by the University of Sydney in Australia suggests that evening workouts may be the most beneficial time for physical activity. This is particularly true for individuals struggling with obesity. The study found that obese individuals who engaged in evening exercise were less likely to experience cardiovascular issues or death compared to non-exercisers and those who exercised at other times.
Timing of exercise and its impact on health
The timing of physical activity has been a topic of debate due to the influence of our internal body clock, or circadian rhythm. This rhythm affects various aspects such as mood, metabolism, and body temperature. While some studies suggest that afternoon to evening workouts are more beneficial, others advocate for the merits of a morning routine. Recent findings from the University of Sydney add weight to the former's perspective.
Study methodology and data analysis
The Australian research team utilized data from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive project monitoring the health of UK residents over an extended period. They analyzed information from approximately 30,000 obese volunteers aged over 40 with no prior cardiovascular disease. The participants wore activity trackers for the week as part of the initial study, providing valuable insights into their usual levels of physical activity.
Evening exercise linked to lower health risks
The volunteers were monitored for nearly eight years on average. After adjusting for factors such as age and smoking history, researchers found that compared to non-exercisers, those who exercised in the morning or afternoon they had better health outcomes. However, it was the evening exercisers who demonstrated the lowest risk of developing cardiovascular disease and of dying in general. This pattern remains consistent even when considering only individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Implications of the study for exercise timing
The results, published in the journal Diabetes Care, are observational and do not establish a cause-and-effect relationship between evening exercise and improved health. However, they suggest that regular exercise is beneficial for heart health regardless of when it occurs. The authors believe their findings could help those seeking to optimize their cardio routine, especially if they're living with obesity or diabetes. "Timing physical activity may play a role in the future of obesity and T2D management," they wrote.
