We are all aware of the positive impact that regular exercise can have on our health, but it is worth noting that the timing of our workouts can have different benefits for our bodies and minds.
For many individuals, morning exercise can be instrumental in helping them stay committed to their fitness goals, ultimately contributing to better overall health. However, it is important to recognize that it may take longer to warm up in the mornings, potentially increasing the risk of injury. Conversely, evening workouts can assist in reducing stress after a long day, but engaging in vigorous exercise at night may also interfere with one’s ability to sleep.
The National Health Service (NHS) recommends that adults engage in a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity per week in order to strengthen muscles and bones, manage stress, and maintain a healthy weight. Physical exercise also has the potential to enhance brain function, reduce the risk of various diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and heart attacks, and decrease the likelihood of premature death by as much as 30 percent.
Nonetheless, despite the well-documented advantages of physical activity, approximately one third of adults abstain from engaging in any form of exercise, often citing time constraints as a primary reason.
In an effort to shed light on this matter, esteemed personal trainer Jack Claxton has offered valuable insights on the optimal timing for physical activity in order to maximize its health benefits. According to Jack, the body’s internal 24-hour clock plays a significant role in determining the ideal time for exercise. He emphasizes that the body’s temperature peaks in the mid to late afternoon, rendering it an opportune time for training. Additionally, our respiratory system is believed to function optimally during this period, making it an ideal time for engaging in activities such as running. However, an individual’s sleep and eating patterns can also influence the most suitable time for working out. For instance, morning individuals may find that they are more productive when training in the morning, while evening individuals might respond better to exercising later in the day.
Jack has also provided recommendations for various types of exercise based on the time of day:
– 7AM-9AM: Circuit training or cardio exercises for efficient calorie burning
– 9AM-11AM: Weight training to capitalize on the body’s peak testosterone production
– 12-2PM: A brisk swimming session, which provides a comprehensive full-body workout and helps guard against heart disease and stress
– 2-4PM: Running, when the body’s temperature is at its zenith, reducing the risk of injury and increasing energy levels
– 6PM-9PM: Yoga or Pilates to unwind and relax after a demanding day, as opposed to intense workouts that could disrupt sleep
Physical exercise throughout the day can offer a myriad of physical and mental health benefits. Finding the right balance and incorporating physical activity into one’s daily routine is crucial for supporting overall wellbeing. For further information, please visit davidlloyd.co.uk.