The time you exercise may be as important as the physical activity itself, according to a new study on the impact of biological rhythm on heart health.
It's long been known that exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes. But researchers from the University of Edinburgh suggest that the benefits are enhanced when activity aligns with the body's "internal clock."
What did the study reveal?
The study, published in Open Heart, analyzed 150 people aged 40–60 who had risk factors such as high cholesterol or obesity.
The participants were divided into:
"morning types" (who feel more active early in the morning)
“evening types” (more energetic in the evening)
They exercised for 12 weeks, five times a week, with moderate activities such as brisk walking. Some exercised at times that matched their biological rhythm, others did not.
Main results
Everyone benefited from exercise, but those who trained at a time that suited their body had greater improvements in:
blood pressure
aerobic capacity
sleep quality
metabolic indicators
For example, systolic pressure (that during the heartbeat) fell on average:
10.8 mmHg in those who exercised at the right time
only 5.5 mmHg in those who did not respect this rhythm
The effect was even stronger in people with high blood pressure.
Why does this happen?
Scientists believe that exercise at the right time helps synchronize biological processes in the body, improving metabolism and reducing inflammation.
What does this mean in practice?
If you're a morning person, workout early.
If you are a "night owl", evening activity may be more effective
However, experts warn that these results should be interpreted with caution, as the study was limited and did not include all types of people.
Exercise remains essential for health, but adapting it to the body's natural rhythm can bring additional benefits.
Ultimately, the best time to train is the one that suits your body and routine – and that you can maintain consistently. /GazetaExpress/
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