Benefits of Exercising in the Afternoon: Reduced Risk of Hospitalization & More
Exercising at the right time of day may play an important role in preventing common health conditions and reducing the risk of hospitalization, according to a new study. Researchers from the United Kingdom looked at the data from 92,139 people who wore activity trackers for a week and found that those who got at least 20 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per day were at a lower risk of being hospitalized for nine common health conditions, including diabetes, gallbladder disease, blood clots, and urinary tract infections.
The study, published in JAMA Network Open, also found that exercising in the afternoon may be the best time for reducing the risk of hospitalization. In addition, a small study that followed 32 men at risk for type 2 diabetes found that their bodies controlled blood sugar better with afternoon workouts.[0] Another small 2021 study suggested that exercising at night may improve blood sugar levels and lower levels of “bad” cholesterol better than morning workouts.[0]
Following a late-morning exercise session, mice displayed elevated levels of fatty acids in their blood both immediately post-exercise and twelve hours later.[1] No changes were seen in those who exercised in the late evening.[2] The results showed those who exercised in the late morning had double the amount of fat loss.[2]
The body’s response to exercise may be influenced by the biological circadian clock, which is linked to the time of day. It has been discovered by scientists that the body reacts differently to physical activity depending on the time of the day, as a result of the circadian rhythms of cells, which are part of the body’s internal clock system.
But still, another study suggests people should time their workouts to their circadian rhythms for optimal improvements in coordination, energy metabolism, and sleep.[1] For those who tend to get up late, it is suggested that they exercise later in the day instead of forcing themselves to do so in the early hours.[1] Studies have shown that there can be specific advantages to exercising in the morning, implying that the optimal time to exercise is contingent on our desired outcomes from the workout.[3]
So, while there is still more research to be done, it appears that exercising 20 additional minutes each day can reduce one’s risk of being hospitalized for a variety of serious medical conditions. It also appears that exercising in the afternoon may be the best time to burn fat and reap the most benefits from exercise.[4]
0. “Afternoon exercise linked to lower risk of early death in new study” Insider, 23 Feb. 2023, https://www.insider.com/afternoon-exercise-lower-risk-of-early-death-new-study-2023-2
1. “Any exercise is beneficial, but afternoon workouts may be best, study finds” PhillyVoice.com, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.phillyvoice.com/best-time-exercise-afternoon-workout-/
2. “Morning Exercise Burns More Body Fat, Mouse Study Shows” MENAFN.COM, 21 Feb. 2023, https://menafn.com/1105606987/Morning-Exercise-Burns-More-Body-Fat-Mouse-Study-Shows
3. “New Study Claims Exercising In The Afternoon Is Better, Leads To Longer Life” Medical Daily, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.medicaldaily.com/study-claims-exercising-afternoon-better-leads-longer-life-468230
4. “Short bursts of everyday activity ‘could go a long way’ to prolonging life: study” Safety+Health Magazine, 24 Feb. 2023, https://www.safetyandhealthmagazine.com/articles/23638-short-bursts-of-everyday-activity-could-go-a-long-way-to-prolonging-life-study
