The Ideal Time to Exercise

Have an active hobby or enjoy playing a sport? Make that your daily exercise time. Who said exercise can’t be fun?

Do you tend to sit for most of the day? Do you generally lead a sedentary lifestyle? Then you’ll want to set aside some time to exercise.

That doesn’t mean you have to join a gym or buy the latest workout fashions. But it does mean including time to exercise in your already busy schedule.

Which begs the question: what’s the best time of the day to exercise?

Many experts agree that the best time of day to exercise is any time that you can consistently attend to it. If you’ve found a time of day that’s working for you, then stick with it!

Others disagree. They think the “best” time of day to exercise should be determined by your circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are the body’s “internal clock.” They control blood pressure, hormones, appetite, sleep cycles, body temperature and countless other details. Your circadian rhythm is what gets out of step when you cross multiple time zones and experience jet lag.

Researchers have found that body temperature is an important variable in determining the quality of one’s exercise program. Body temperature is at its lowest during the one to three hours before you awaken. When body temperature is low, muscles are tight and blood flow is reduced. This can make an early morning workout more sluggish. Plus, it increases your chances of injury.

Many report that an early morning workout makes them sharper and more productive during the day. If an early morning workout is the only time you can fit in a workout, take extra care in stretching and warming up before hitting it hard.

On the other hand, early afternoon and evening workouts tend to be more productive. That’s because we’re more alert, our body temperature is higher, our muscles are warmer and more flexible. Plus, our lung function is at its peak.

Working out after a tough day at the office is also a great way to release stress. Not to mention it helps control the amount of food you eat at dinner.

However, consistency is the key. When regular exercise becomes a habit, simply add a few additional routines for optimum health. Namely getting the proper amount of sleep, eating a healthy diet and getting regular chiropractic adjustments.