Nayonika Chakraborty
... Read More
By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookie Policy.
Written By: Nayonika Chakraborty | Updated : July 4, 2019 8:21 PM IST
Morning can be a great time to work out because your stomach is empty. © Shutterstock
It is important for your body to get at least 30 minutes of moderate to intense physical activity every day. But if you have a weight loss goal, you need at least an hour of exercises every day. Consistency regarding the time of exercising also plays a big role in helping you to reach your weight loss goals.
The Journal of Obesity published a study stating that consistency in the time of exercise can help a person losing weight more easily. The findings also suggested that sticking to the same time lead to higher physical activity levels. This is regardless of whether a person exercised at the same time in the morning, afternoon or evening. In the study, researchers looked at the habits of 375 healthy adults who were successful in maintaining their weight by engaging in regular moderate to vigorous physical activity. Most of these people reported that they exercised at the same time every day.
Experts have noticed that sometimes when people try to exercise regularly, they tend to change the type of exercises or the timing. This is not at all advisable, especially in light of the above findings.
Taking out time from our busy schedule just to exercise is not at all easy. But finding the perfect time to work out can be even harder, especially when you have to stay consistent and do it at the same time every day. Though there is no reliable science backed proof indicating that a certain time of the day is the best to burn calories, it can still influence how you are feeling while exercising. To pick the best time suitable for you, just exercise at different times during the day and see which time suits you the most.
Here, we try to make your task a little easier by revealing the benefits of exercising during the mornings, afternoons and nights. Read on and choose the time that is best for you.
Morning can be a great time to exercise. This is because your stomach is empty after a long night of sleep and this supports the burning of stored fat in your body. This is the time of the day when you also have increased levels of the growth hormone cortisol, which influences your metabolism. It enables you to use more energy from your fat reserves. The Journal of Physiology published a study saying that your body clock can be shifted accordingly if you exercise at 7 a.m. and you will start feeling more alert during the morning.
This will result in you getting tired earlier in the evening and it will mean that you will go to bed early as well. This starts a cycle where you get up early, go to bed early and get up early the next morning totally refreshed. Even if you are not an early riser, you can still try it out. Your body will quickly get used to it. Exercising in the morning is also a good idea if you have a busy schedule lined up for the rest of the day.
Working out during the afternoon is a great idea if you are planning a for a long and rigorous exercise regimen. This is because you have already had food in your system and eating leads to an increase in blood sugar levels in your body. This sugar, in the form of glucose in your blood, is needed if you are trying out an exercise routine which is higher in intensity. A study in the Journal of Physiology found that, just like in the case of an early morning workout, exercising between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. can shift your body clock forward according to your routine. This can help you avoid a slump at the end of the day.
Also, typically, our body temperature increases throughout the day. So during late afternoons, when our body temperature is the highest, our muscle strength and endurance is also at the highest. The performance of your body is also likely to improve during the afternoon as it is the time of the day when reaction time is quickest and heart rate and blood pressure are at the lowest.
We have already elaborated on the benefits of morning and afternoon workout sessions for more effective weight loss. But, exercising at night can also be equally beneficial.
The journal Experimental Physiology published a paper stating that exercising at night will not adversely affect your sleep. It also said that working out at night can reduce levels of the hunger-stimulating hormone, ghrelin, over time. This could help you achieve your weight loss goals and, at the same time, maintain your weight. Working out at night is also a great idea for those who have a hard time getting up in the morning as it will be easier for your body. During the night, your muscle function and strength reaches a peak, and this can help you last longer while exercising. Moreover, fluctuating hormones at night can make these workouts more effective. Exercising at night is eespecially beneficial for men because, at night, their testosterone levels are at an all-time high. This will facilitate their muscle growth. If you exercise about 90 minutes before going to sleep at night, it will help you have a more restorative sleep.
