The time of day made less of a difference for men, who saw their strength increase both in the morning and in the evening.
But it was found that exercising later in the day increases men’s heart health and improves their metabolic health, reducing the risk of conditions such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke. .
The study of 30 men and 26 women – all active and healthy, and between 25 and 55 years old – lasted 12 weeks and monitored the effects of a varied fitness program, which included stretching, sprinting, endurance. and resistance training.
One group exercised for an hour before 8:30 a.m., while the other group followed the same activities in the evening, between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. All participants followed a specially designed meal plan.
All study participants improved their health
All participants were tested for blood pressure and body fat throughout the study, as well as their flexibility, strength, and aerobic power at the beginning and end.
All participants in the study improved their overall health and performance during the 12-week trial, regardless of when they exercised.
“The best time to exercise is the best time to do it and fit it into your schedule,” says Dr. Paul Arcerio, lead author of the study and professor of health and human physiology at Skidmore College. the state of New York.