14/01/2025
When is the best time to exercise? This is one of the common questions that I get from clients and the audience during talks. Any form of exercise which considers the right type, duration, frequency and appropriate intensity, done regularly at any time provides a long list of health benefits.
If the question is the BEST schedule to get the maximum benefits, recent studies are pointing to these, depending on your health goals:
FOR WEIGHT AND FAT LOSS - MORNING
Based on what we know so far, morning may be the best time to exercise for fat loss; specifically, consistent early morning exercise, for increased metabolism or energy expenditure and lower energy intake. This is also based on how exercise timing aligns with the circadian clock and body functions.
FOR SPORTS PEFORMANCE BOOST-- AFTERNOON
Latest researches show that time of the day is one of the key factors that affect athletic performance, To help OPTIMIZE training performance, it is better to exercise in the afternoon. Some references say 2-6PM; while others highlight 5-6PM, for peak muscle function and athletic performance; as it aligns with the circadian rhythm and “muscle clock,” as well as its potential influence on injury prevention.
Note: Consider the time of actual competitions. So for sports type where actual competitions are not usually held in the morning, coaches may want to consider scheduling training at a later time.
References:
Heishman, Aaron D.1,2; Curtis, Michael A.2; Saliba, Ethan N.1,3; Hornett, Robert J.2; Malin, Steven K.1,4; Weltman, Arthur L.1,4. Comparing Performance During Morning vs. Afternoon Training Sessions in Intercollegiate Basketball Players. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research 31(6):p 1557-1562, June 2017. | DOI: 10.1519/JSC.0000000000001882
Schumacher LM, Thomas JG, Raynor HA, Rhodes RE, Bond DS. Consistent Morning Exercise May Be Beneficial for Individuals With Obesity. Exerc Sport Sci Rev. 2020 Oct;48(4):201-208. doi: 10.1249/JES.0000000000000226. PMID: 32658039; PMCID: PMC7492403.
Willis, E.A., Creasy, S.A., Honas, J.J. et al. The effects of exercise session timing on weight loss and components of energy balance: midwest exercise trial 2. Int J Obes 44, 114–124 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41366-019-0409-x