health
‘For better results’: Training to the rhythm of your body
To get the most out of a gym workout, fitness class, or run, do it at the time of day that best suits your natural body clock, say health researchers.
TL;DR
- Exercising at a time that matches your body's natural clock (chronotype) maximizes benefits.
- Morning exercisers should train in the morning, and night owls should train at night.
- Aligning exercise with chronotype improves sleep, lowers blood pressure, and stabilizes blood sugar.
- This timing is especially beneficial for individuals at high risk of heart disease.
- Mismatching exercise schedules with biological rhythms (social jetlag) is linked to increased heart risk.
- A study involving 134 participants in Pakistan showed enhanced health benefits when exercise timing matched their chronotype.