This morning I watched my last sunrise in Washington, DC. The movers are coming today, and I am heading back home to Texas. It’s bittersweet to leave the Federal City, filled with action and headline news around every corner, but it is time to go back to my roots.
I’ve worked on Capitol Hill, and experienced the long hours – the “always something happening, high-profile” career has been fun for awhile, but I am excited to be returning to my true passion – health and fitness. Life is too short not to do what you are most passionate about – am I right or am I right?
With this small peek into my life, I wanted to talk about what time of day to exercise. I’ve heard the question many times – when is the best time to workout? While some folks wouldn’t dare break a sweat before noon, others can’t make it to work unless they have had their 5am morning jog. So which is better? At what time of day does the human body burn the most calories?
Truth be told, there’s no hard evidence to state that our bodies burn more calories at different times of the day; however, the time of day can play a big part in forming exercise habits and getting a good night’s sleep – and who doesn’t want that?
If you find it hard to get up the gusto to exercise – the morning workout is probably your best bet according to the experts. The early exercise can be completed before any tasks from the day get between you and the gym.
“The thinking is that they get their exercise in before other time pressures interfere,” said Dr. Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief science officer with the American Council on Exercise in San Diego. “I usually exercise at 6 a.m., because no matter how well-intentioned I am, if I don’t exercise in the morning, other things will squeeze it out.”
Another reason I find the morning workout to be the better of the two time options (before or after work), is the fact that the early birds get a better night’s sleep.
“The better you sleep, the better it is for your body,” according to Dr. Scott Collier, PhD, an assistant professor in the department of health, leisure and exercise science at Appalachian State University. “It increases your cardio health, decreases stress and anxiety, helps you maintain your weight and lowers your blood pressure. Plus, the more time spent in deep sleep, the more time your body has to repair itself.”
While exercising any time of the day is better than not exercising at all, I find the most benefits from exercising in the morning. As an added bonus, those who exercise in the morning have a 10% reduction in blood pressure during the rest of the day and a 25% dip at night.
When is your favorite time to exercise?
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