Exercise is beneficial for everyone’s health but when is the best time to do it? According to a medical study, evening exercise may be particularly advantageous for individuals at risk of heart disease and premature death due to obesity.
A research conducted at Sydney University revealed that individuals who engage in moderate to vigorous exercise from 6 p.m. to midnight experience the most health benefits especially those struggling with obesity-related heart conditions.
The study involved 30,000 participants divided into groups based on their preferred exercise time: morning, afternoon or evening. Their physical activity was monitored using wearable devices and their health was assessed over an eight-year period. The results showed that individuals who engaged in moderate to vigorous evening exercise had the lowest risk of heart-related diseases or mortality.
Furthermore, the duration of exercise was also examined in the study revealing that intense exercise sessions lasting at least three minutes were more beneficial for health than shorter workouts.
Previous smaller studies have hinted at similar results but this new research provides a more comprehensive analysis with a larger dataset.
Researchers emphasized that while all forms of physical activity from walking to climbing stairs are beneficial for health, a few minutes of intense exercise such as running or strenuous housecleaning may offer additional benefits. However, it’s essential to find a balance and not overexert oneself.
In addition to heart health benefits, previous research has also suggested that evening exercise may help stabilize blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes or obesity.
While further research is needed to fully understand the implications, these findings underscore the importance of physical activity in preventing and managing diseases like obesity and type 2 diabetes.
The results of this study were published in the journal Diabetes Care highlighting the significance of timed exercise in promoting overall health and well-being.
