When is the optimal time to work out for cardiovascular health?
Overview
Researchers have repeatedly shown that regular exercise can reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke. In a recent study, it was discovered that exercising during specific times of the day can provide even greater heart health benefits.
The study, led by Gali Albalak and her team from the Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands, analyzed data from 86,657 participants in the UK Biobank. The participants, aged between 42 and 78, wore activity trackers to monitor their exercise patterns over a week, followed by heart monitoring for an average of six years. During the study, approximately 2,900 participants developed heart disease, and around 800 experienced a stroke.
Discovered: The Optimal Time to Exercise…
The researchers found that women who predominantly exercised in the late morning (8 a.m. to 11 a.m.) had the lowest risk of heart attack or stroke.
Up to 35 Percent Lower Risk of Stroke…
Compared to women who exercised later in the day, those who were most active in the early morning or late morning had a 22% to 24% lower risk of heart disease. Additionally, women who mainly exercised in the late morning saw a significant 35% reduction in the risk of stroke.
On the other hand, there was no additional cardiovascular benefit for men who exercised in the morning.
Why Does Timing Matter?
Dr. Albalak suggests that physical activity, similar to food intake, is linked to our circadian rhythms. The timing of exercise could impact our biological clocks and may have varying effects on health.
While Dr. Albalak emphasizes that physical activity at any time of the day is beneficial, she theorizes that exercising in the morning could be more conducive to setting our internal clocks correctly.
Public health guidelines typically focus on the frequency, duration, and intensity of exercise, neglecting the importance of timing. This new research suggests that timing should be considered as a significant factor.
My Takeaway
Although morning exercise was found to be beneficial for heart health, any form of exercise at any time is better than none at all. Whether it's a morning walk or an evening workout, the key is to stay active and maintain a regular exercise routine.