What is the best time to exercise? People give out varied and valid reasons why exercise cannot be a part of their daily activities. With all the things that an average person has to accomplish every day, it is no wonder why a schedule for exercise is difficult to keep. Most people who do have an exercise plan opt to have it either at the start of the day or after work. Are there advantages to getting it out of the way first thing in the morning versus leaving it until the end of the day?
Circadian rhythms rule our waking and sleeping cycles. It rules our biochemical, physiological and behavioral processes that make up our 24 hour day. Circadian rhythms can be reset based upon environmental or external cues. The time of day when we exercise is one such cue. For instance, people who consistently work out in the morning condition their body for exercise during this time. When they switched their workouts in the afternoons, they were not as strong.
Some people are just naturally morning people. These people tend to schedule their strenuous activities in the morning and feel so much better for it. Morning exercisers are also observed to be more consistent and are more likely to stick to their fitness regimen than those who workout in the afternoon.
For most people however, exercising in the afternoon is the more attractive option and rightly so, because there's research to back that up as well. According to studies, the best time to exercise is when our temperatures are at their highest. This usually falls between 4 to 5 in the afternoon (temperatures are at its lowest in the morning, upon waking up). Afternoon exercisers report greater strength and endurance. Based on these studies, strength builds up as the day progresses with a 5% increase at midday and an additional 5% increase in the late afternoon when temperatures are at its highest. Endurance also increases by 4% in the afternoon. We are more alert and we become more flexible when our muscles are warmed up, thus, making us less prone to injury. Point per point, afternoon exercisers tend to be at an advantage. However, some studies warn against exercising three hours before bedtime so as not to disrupt your sleeping pattern.
So what is the best time to exercise? We have to remember that what works for one may not work for another. You have to observe yourself and take into consideration other factors that affect your schedule. If you find out that the only free time you can spare for exercise is one you don't like, its ok. Aside from being able to adapt to the time your schedule permits, your body will still thank you for giving it the exercise it needs.
