A recent study reveals that individuals who prefer to work out in the early morning tend to exhibit healthier dietary habits and maintain a lower weight.
While research offers mixed results on the optimal time for exercising, medical professionals emphasise that the key factor is incorporating physical activity into your daily routine, regardless of the time.
Published on Tuesday in the journal Obesity, the study examined the activity levels and health records of more than 5,000 individuals in the United States.
Participants who exercised in the morning hours, specifically between 7 and 9 a.m., showed a lower body mass index (BMI) and reduced waist size compared to those who worked out later in the day. Additionally, it was noted that morning exercisers engaged in more sedentary activities throughout the remainder of the day.
The authors of the study found that people who exercised in the morning made healthier choices, such as improved eating habits, during the day.
They also mentioned the necessity for further research, explaining that their study represents only an initial exploration.
Physical activity has been shown to be advantageous for people of all ages. The US Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that physical activity can decrease the risk of depression, enhance bone health, and improve certain academic performance indicators in children. For adults, regular exercise reduces the risk of stroke and high blood pressure while also benefiting mental well-being.
According to the CDC, though the advantages are well-established, only 50% of adults engage in the recommended levels of physical activity, and achieving sufficient activity could avert 1 in 10 premature deaths.
The CDC's current exercise guidelines recommend that adults accumulate 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week, in addition to performing muscle-strengthening activities on two separate days.
Moderate-intensity physical activity, as defined by the CDC, involves any activity that causes you to breathe harder and elevate your heart rate, including tasks like mowing the lawn or engaging in walking, biking, or dancing. This weekly exercise goal translates to around 30 minutes daily for five days out of the week.
The CDC highlights that the recommendation of 150 minutes per week serves as a basic goal, indicating that surpassing this amount can yield additional health advantages.
For individuals participating in more vigorous aerobic activities, such as jogging, the CDC suggests a minimum of 75 minutes per week.
Another essential guideline for adults is to increase their movement and reduce sedentary time, as advised by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
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