Is There a Best Time of Day to Exercise for Overall Health?
When it comes to improving our health and well-being, many of us focus on various aspects such as diet, sleep, and exercise. But have you ever considered the timing of your workout sessions? A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, suggests that the timing of exercise may have a significant impact on health outcomes, especially for individuals who are overweight or have Type 2 diabetes.
The study, which spanned nearly 8 years and involved 30,000 participants with obesity, utilized wearable fitness tracking devices to monitor physical activity levels throughout the day. The findings revealed that individuals who engaged in moderate to vigorous evening activities, particularly between 6pm and midnight, had a lower risk of premature death or death from cardiovascular disease. Surprisingly, just 3 minutes or more of evening exercise showed positive results.
Dr. Angelo Sabag, a Lecturer in Exercise Physiology at the University of Sydney, emphasized the significance of these findings, especially in the context of the obesity epidemic. With a large portion of the population at risk of cardiovascular conditions and premature death due to excess weight, incorporating physical activity at specific times of the day could help mitigate these health risks.
Moreover, evening exercise was found to be beneficial for individuals with Type 2 diabetes, as it may help improve glucose intolerance and other related complications. While further research is needed to establish causal relationships, the study suggests that the timing of physical activity could play a crucial role in managing obesity and Type 2 diabetes, as well as in preventive healthcare strategies.
Professor Emmanuel Stamatakis, Director of the Mackenzie Wearables Hub and senior author of the study, highlighted the potential implications of these findings for future health recommendations. By understanding the impact of exercise timing on health outcomes, individuals and healthcare professionals alike can optimize physical activity interventions for improved overall health and well-being.
Whether you’re looking to lose weight, improve your fitness, or enhance your overall health, considering the timing of your exercise routine could be a key factor in achieving your goals. By incorporating evening activities into your daily schedule, you may not only reap the physical benefits but also contribute to long-term health and well-being.
