Research on lung function, body rhythms, temperature, and hormone levels says one thing -- to exercise around 6 p.m.
Surveys on exercise habits say another -- to exercise in the morning before other commitments distract you, or during the day when you have a free period of time. Let's explore the pros and cons of when to exercise.
Mornings
Pros:
•
The majority of people who exercise consistently do so early in the day. It is easier to form the exercise habit through morning exercise.
•
Fewer distractions and schedule interruptions.
•
Can make time for exercise by getting up a bit earlier.
•
Raises your heart rate and metabolism to burn more calories earlier in the day.
•
Gives a feeling of physical energy for hours.
•
Improves your mental acuity for hours.
•
Cooler temperatures in summer.
•
Lowest air pollution levels in the morning.
•
Body adjusts to your exercise time, so if you are training for a morning walking event, train in the morning.
Cons:
•
Body temperature is at its lowest 1 to 3 hours before awakening, making morning a time of naturally lower energy and blood flow.
•
Cold, stiff muscles may be more prone to injury. Be sure to warm up well before doing a higher speed workout, and do gentle stretching.
•
If you do not enjoy morning exercise, you won't easily form a walking habit by choosing a morning workout time.
•
Because body temperature and hormones are higher in late afternoon, you probably get the same or better calorie-burning effects later in the day.
Next page> Noon-Time and Break-Time | Afternoon and After-Work | Evening
