What's the Most Ideal Time to Exercise?
Do you tend to sit for most of the day? Do you generally lead a sedentary lifestyle? Are you looking to improve your health and longevity? Then you will definitely want to set aside some time to exercise.
That doesn’t mean you have to join an intense bootcamp class or buy into the latest workout trends. But it does mean including time to exercise in your already busy schedule.
Which begs the question: When is the best time to exercise?
Just like with your “diet”, the best time to exercise is any time that you can consistently attend to it. If you’ve found a time of day that’s working for you, then stick with it!
Others disagree. They think the “best” time of day to exercise should be determined by your circadian rhythms. Circadian rhythms are the body’s “internal clock.” They control blood pressure, hormones, appetite, sleep cycles, body temperature and countless other details. Your circadian rhythm is what gets out of step when you cross multiple time zones and experience jet lag.
Researchers have found that body temperature is an important variable in determining the quality of one’s exercise performance. Body temperature is at its lowest during the one to three hours before you awaken. When body temperature is low, muscles are tight and blood flow is reduced. This can make an early morning workout more sluggish. Plus, it increases your chances of injury.
However, many report that an early morning workout makes them sharper and more productive during the day. If an early morning workout is the most ideal time you can fit in a workout, take extra care in warming up before hitting it hard.
On the other hand, early afternoon and evening workouts tend to be more productive for some people. That’s because we’re generally more alert, our body temperature is higher, our muscles are warmer and more flexible. Working out after a tough day at the office is also a great way to release stress, but exercising too close to bedtime can make it difficult to fall asleep.
In conclusion, consistency is the key. Pairing exercise with consistent healthy eating habits, proper sleep, and routine care is the foundation for health and longevity. Chiropractic is no different than going to see your dentist and primary care for regular check-ups to ensure you are keeping your body in tune.
Have you had a Chiropractic Check-Up recently?