Exercising is a crucial component of a healthy lifestyle. Yet, the debate on the ideal time to work out for the best results continues to rage on. Some fitness enthusiasts swear by early morning workouts while others favor burning their calories later in the day. However, a new study might just tilt the balance in favor of the night owls.
Conducted by researchers at the University of Sydney, Australia, the study aimed at determining the impact of the timing of exercise on health. The researchers analyzed the exercise routines and health outcomes of 30,000 obese individuals over eight years. Their primary objective was to answer a long-standing question: Does the time of the day you exercise make a difference to your health?
The researchers found that individuals who exercised after 6 pm demonstrated a surprising health benefit compared to those who sweat it out in the morning. The participants who followed an evening exercise regimen had a 61% lower risk of dying and a 36% lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those who did not exercise at all. Conversely, morning exercisers showed about half the benefit, with a 33% lower likelihood of death and a 17% lower risk of heart disease.
The study’s findings suggest that the time of physical activity could be a key aspect of obesity and type 2 diabetes management. It also holds implications for preventive healthcare in general.
The researchers made this intriguing discovery by tracking the physical activity of the participants over a week using 24-hour fitness trackers. Their activity was not limited to exercise but included routine activities like walking and cleaning. Differences in age, sex, smoking habits, and diet intake were also taken into account.
The participants were grouped based on the time they were most active: morning, afternoon, or evening. Morning exercisers were active between 6 am and noon, afternoon athletes between noon and 6 pm, and evening participants from 6 pm till midnight. The evening exercisers had the best health outcomes compared to the other groups.
While the findings are observational, they corroborate the outcomes of smaller trials conducted in the past. This study debunks the myth that early morning workouts are always the best option, providing relief to those not inclined to rise with the sun.
About two in three Australians are overweight or obese, putting them at a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions and early death. While exercise is not the only solution to the obesity crisis, this research suggests that planning physical activity for specific times of the day can help mitigate some of these health risks.
The fitness world has long debated the ideal time to work out for the best results. While early risers might argue that the first thing in the morning is best, night owls might favor later in the night. This new study suggests that the latter might be onto something.
