The Ideal Time to Exercise
Have an active hobby or enjoy playing a sport? Make that your daily exercise time. Who said exercise can’t be fun?
Do you tend to sit for most of the day? Do you generally lead a sedentary lifestyle? Then you’ll want to set aside some time to exercise.
That doesn’t mean you have to join a gym or buy the latest workout fashions. But it does mean including time to exercise in your already busy schedule.
Which begs the question: what’s the best time of the day to exercise?
Many experts agree that the best time of day to exercise is any time that you can consistently attend to it. If you’ve found a time of day that’s working for you, then stick with it!
Others disagree. They think the “best” time of day to exercise should be determined by your circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are the body’s “internal clock.” They control blood pressure, hormones, appetite, sleep cycles, body temperature and countless other details. Your circadian rhythm is what gets out of step when you cross multiple time zones and experience jet lag.
Researchers have found that body temperature is an important variable in determining the quality of one’s exercise program. Body temperature is at its lowest during the one to three hours before you awaken. When body temperature is low, muscles are tight and blood flow is reduced. This can make an early morning workout more sluggish. Plus, it increases your chances of injury.
Many report that an early morning workout makes them sharper and more productive during the day. If an early morning workout is the only time you can fit in a workout, take extra care in stretching and warming up before hitting it hard.
On the other hand, early afternoon and evening workouts tend to be more productive. That’s because we’re more alert, our body temperature is higher, our muscles are warmer and more flexible. Plus, our lung function is at its peak.
Working out after a tough day at the office is also a great way to release stress. Not to mention it helps control the amount of food you eat at dinner.
However, consistency is the key. When regular exercise becomes a habit, simply add a few additional routines for optimum health. Namely getting the proper amount of sleep, eating a healthy diet and getting regular chiropractic adjustments.
Nov 27, 2019 at 4:32 AM
Usually I exercise in the mornings so can get-it-done before I talk myself out of it. But what you say about early afternoon has proven to be more effective for me because am more alert and energetic and can work harder for a better workout. Thanks for the confirmation. Still working on my core at 68 years of age...but ever so thankful to be able to move and be active when so many of my family and friends are sufferring from major health issues. It is my observations that much of our health issues are self-induced through lack of proper exercise or eating habits. My older sister recently lost 20 lbs and is amazed by the improvement in her lab blood work numbers. Encouraged her to share this with other family members as they really need to hear it. Really miss my chiropractic adjustments!!!! <3