Summary
A new study shows that exercising at the time of day that matches your natural body clock can improve heart health, sleep, and blood sugar levels. People who are morning types benefit most from morning workouts, while night types gain more by exercising in the evening.
Key Facts
- The study involved 134 people in their 40s and 50s from Pakistan who had at least one heart risk factor.
- Participants exercised briskly on a treadmill for 40 minutes, five times a week, for three months.
- Some matched their exercise time with their natural body clock, while others did not.
- Those who matched exercise time with their body clock saw larger improvements in blood pressure, fitness, metabolism, and sleep.
- The body clock influences energy levels and hormone patterns, affecting exercise performance.
- Exercising at the wrong time can cause "social jetlag," increasing heart risks, especially for night owls forced to exercise early.
- Experts say consistency in exercise and mixing strength and cardio workouts is important for health.
- Strength-training exercises like wall squats and planks help lower blood pressure.
