Hamilton Health Care System
706.272.6000
hamiltonhealth@hhcs.org
Hamilton Health Care System
706.272.6000
hamiltonhealth@hhcs.org
Morning, noon or night—when it comes to exercise, the right time is whatever time works for you. That means finding a time that fits into your schedule and that you're likely to stick to.
"It's more a matter of commitment than it is time of day," says Tom LaFontaine, PhD, a registered clinical exercise physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).
The first move
If you're trying to find a place for fitness in your life, you may want to consider these factors:
For most people, muscles are warmer and more flexible in the late afternoon, according to the American Council on Exercise (ACE). This can lead to quicker reaction times, greater strength, more power and lower perceived exertion.
You probably don't want to exercise right after a meal, either. Your body sends blood to your digestive tract to help with digestion after a meal, says Cedric Bryant, PhD, President and Chief Science Officer at ACE. This leaves less blood to nourish the muscles you use during exercise.
If morning exercise works best for you, pay extra attention to warming up and stretching before your workout, says ACE. This helps ensure that your body will be ready for action.
If exercise is a new part of your life, start slowly. According to ACE, a good place to start is just 10 minutes of light exercise or brisk walking every day. Gradually increase the length and intensity of your workouts.
Your doctor can help you set goals for how often and how hard you exercise. For many people, 150 minutes of exercise spread out during each week is enough to provide substantial health benefits.
If you've been inactive for a long time or if you're pregnant, elderly or have any health problems, check with your doctor before you start an exercise program.
Reviewed 9/13/2022
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