According to a new large-scale study of around 92,000 men and women, afternoon exercise may reduce the risks of premature death more than morning or evening workouts. The study also finds that physical activity at any time of day is better for longevity than not exercising.
And other new research indicates that there can be unique benefits to slotting exercise into the morning hours, suggesting that the best time to exercise depends on what we want from a workout.
Why worry about exercise timing?
There is already mounting evidence that the health effects of exercise depend, to some extent, on when we are active. In past research people at risk for diabetes improved their blood-sugar control more if they worked out in the evening rather than in the morning, while in other studies people lost more body fat if they exercised early, rather than later in the day.
But most of these studies were small and their results narrow and inconsistent, so it’s been difficult to draw conclusions about when we should exercise.
The New Study
The new study analyses data from over 92, 000 men and women who had joined the UK Biobank, a health study of adults in the United Kingdom, and worn an activity tracker for a week.
The strongest and least-surprising correlation they found was that the men and women who most frequently engaged in moderate or vigorous physical activity (the equivalent of a brisk walk), lived longer than people who rarely worked out, no matter what time of day people got up and moved.
What the researchers uncovered
But the researchers also uncovered links between midday exercise and even better odds of a long life. People who clustered their physical activity between 11:00 and 17:00 or spread it out throughout the entire day were less likely to die prematurely from heart disease or other causes (except cancer) than people who mainly exercised before 11:00 or after 17:00.
The researchers point out this afternoon time period coincides with the time of day when, statistically, people are least likely to experience a heart attack.
The researchers concluded that the benefits of afternoon exercise for longevity were most pronounced for men and the elderly. But, overall, the findings suggest exercise timing may have the potential to maximize the health benefits of daily physical activity.
How should you decide the best time to exercise?
The study complicates the question of when to work out. Is afternoon exercise preferable if our goal is longevity, while morning exertions are better to burn fat.
In reality any differences will be marginal as the biggest gains in the longevity study, came from frequent activity, whatever the time of day. But if you’d like to burn a little more fat with each workout and slowly lower your body’s fat stores, there may be advantages to exercising before noon. But if your primary aim is increased longevity, then exercising during the afternoon may be beneficial.
Conclusion
The most important takeaway from this is to just get up and move and that shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone. Exercise together with a healthy lifestyle have always been the catalyst for a longer life.
In the pandemic it has become even more important that we concentrate on our healthy lifestyles including exercise.
Source: https://www.washingtonpost.com
I am lucky enough to have the best reason to get up and exercise every day. We have a beautiful rescue dog who loves to be outside - if not walking in the local woods then chasing around the garden.
I have already noticed a difference in my physical and mental health and I feel much better for having her.
You are lucky. A very good reason. I do like exercise, I don't love it. Not feeling so well, I need to get back to exercise.
In the pandemic that all changed. For many exercise may still be far out of people's reach. I agree that exercise together with a healthier lifestyle can contribute to longevity. Anything that boosts longevity has to be a good thing.