Exercising at any time can be beneficial for you, but if you want to achieve a better result, its effectiveness during the day may vary for women and men, according to an American study.
The study found that women burn more body fat when they exercise in the morning and that evening is more beneficial for men’s heart health.
Researchers say that much of what is known about this topic is based on studies conducted on men.
Gender differences may play an important role in hormones, circadian clocks, and sleep-wake cycles.
The new study – which included 30 men and 26 women, all aged and healthy, between the ages of 25 and 55 – lasted 12 weeks and monitored the effects of a variety of exercise programs that included stretching, running, resistance and endurance exercises.
One group exercised for an hour before 8:00 a.m., while the other group continued the same activities from 18:00 to 20:00 in the evening. All participants followed a diet plan designed for this purpose.
During the study, the researchers tested each person’s blood pressure and body fat, as well as their flexibility, strength, and cardiovascular strength during the initial and final exercises.
All study participants improved their overall health and performance during the 12-week trial, regardless of when they exercised.
Dr. Paul Arcereo, Principal Research Professor and Professor of Health and Human Physiology at Skidmore College in New York State, says, “The best time to exercise fits your schedule.
But he points out that “something else is going on,” which means that the best time to exercise for women and men is different.
Early or late?
Based on the results of the study, Dr. Arzario says that women who are interested in lowering their mid-cholesterol and lowering blood pressure should aim to exercise in the morning.
This is important because belly fat accumulates around the body’s internal organs, including the liver, and is dangerous.
He says women who try to improve the tone of their upper body muscles should, in addition to improving their mood and food intake, exercise in the evening.
The men in the test were less sensitive when exercising during the day, which improved their strength in the morning and evening.
But the study – Dr. Arsrio – shows that evening exercise is “suitable for men interested in improving heart and metabolic health, as well as their emotional state”.
Improving metabolic health means reducing the risk of diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and stroke.
It is not clear why men’s and women’s bodies behave differently during exercise, and more research is needed, researchers say.
They say women may burn more body fat in the morning because they have more belly fat. The internal rhythms of the body can also be a factor.
The study, published in the journal Frontiers in Physiology, looked at healthy overweight people, but researchers say the program may also work in overweight or obese individuals.
“They are more likely to benefit,” says Dr. Arsrio.
“Award-winning beer geek. Extreme coffeeaholic. Introvert. Avid travel specialist. Hipster-friendly communicator.”