In the fast-paced modern life, exercise has become an important means for people to pursue health. However, many people are faced with a common dilemma—when is the best time to work out? Shall one go for a morning jog with the rising sun or sweat it out in the evening as night falls?
That was the question Mr. Zhang faced. Passionate about fitness, he adhered to a regular weekly exercise regimen but could never determine the best time to work out. During a visit to a health consultation center, Mr. Zhang expressed his confusion to the doctor: “Doctor, I always hesitate when choosing whether to exercise in the morning or evening. Which time slot is more appropriate?” The doctor replied with a friendly smile:
“Actually, there is no fixed answer to this question. Everyone has their own unique biological rhythm, lifestyle, and work schedule, so the so-called ‘best time to exercise’ is actually very personal.”
The doctor went on to explain, exercising in the morning can quickly wake up the body, enhance metabolism, and thus keep one energized throughout the day. Moreover, the air in the morning is fresh and clean, which is very beneficial for respiratory health. However, for people who are short on time or not accustomed to waking up early, exercising in the morning could lead to tiredness that affects their mental state for the whole day.
At the same time, evening exercise has its unique advantages, as it helps to release the stress accumulated during the day and improve sleep quality. For those looking to control weight or lose weight, exercising in the evening can also burn calories consumed at dinner. But if the exercise at night is too intense, it could lead to poor sleep quality and thereby affect the next day’s mental state.
The doctor concluded, “Finding a suitable exercise time is crucial, ensuring that this activity can naturally integrate into your daily life, making you feel happy and satisfied.”
The debate over the best time to exercise, morning or evening, has gained more insights from scientific research in recent years. Due to differing biological clocks, personal habits, and health conditions, the suitable time for exercise varies from person to person. For example, a study published in “Frontiers in Physiology” suggests that morning workouts are more beneficial for improving blood pressure and cardiovascular health. This is because morning exercise can stimulate the sympathetic nervous system, thereby increasing the metabolic rate and reducing the load on the cardiovascular system.
Conversely, evening exercises are considered to spur the release of endorphins and other happiness hormones, helping to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Furthermore, exercising in the evening can help the body better adjust to disruptions in the biological clock caused by time zone changes or shift work. However, intense exercise in the evening can indeed threaten sleep, hence it is recommended to choose milder physical activities.
In summary, choosing a non-personalized exercise time may lead to issues such as lack of focus or lethargy in people who are not “morning types,” thus understanding and determining one’s own optimal workout time is extremely important.
Exercise is vital for maintaining health, but improper workout times can backfire, affecting our physical and mental well-being. If you find yourself feeling tired and groggy immediately after morning exercise, or if exercising at night makes it hard for you to fall asleep, then naturally, the quality of your sleep will be affected. Over time, such habits could lead to the accumulation of fatigue, reduced memory, and other health issues.
The wrong timing of exercise can lead to a range of problems, including: extreme tiredness after morning workouts; sleep disturbances after evening workouts; discomfort or muscle soreness after exercising; no significant changes in weight or body shape despite long-term exercise; and mood swings or psychological issues such as anxiety and depression post-exercise. If you experience any one or more of these symptoms, it may be necessary to adjust your exercise timing appropriately.
Understand that there is no one-size-fits-all “best time to exercise” that lasts forever. The key is to create a personalized workout plan based on individual physiological conditions, habits, and work schedules. Remember, the most important thing is to find the workout time that suits you best, which not only keeps you healthy but also allows you to enjoy exercising and stick with it consistently.
Everyone’s rhythm of life is different, and each person’s body has its unique exercise needs. Therefore, do not blindly pursue the “best workout time” in the eyes of others. What you should do instead is listen to the needs of your body and find the exercise timing that is most suitable for you. Only then can we enjoy the pleasure that comes with exercise while pursuing health, achieving more long-lasting results.
