Everyone knows that regular exercise helps reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. However, did you know that the timing of your exercise is just as important as the intensity of your workout?
New research has just discovered the best time to exercise to reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity.
The study, conducted by scientists at the University of Massachusetts (USA), included 14,489 participants. The researchers analyzed minute-by-minute heart rate data from participants' health tracking devices over a one-year period.
The results revealed that people who regularly exercise in the early morning are significantly less likely to develop coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or obesity compared to those who exercise in the afternoon, according to the medical news site Medical Express.
Specifically, compared to exercising in the afternoon, regularly exercising in the morning has reduced the risk of the following metabolic problems:
- Reduces the risk of coronary heart disease by 31%.
- Reduces the risk of high blood pressure by 18%.
- Reduces the risk of high blood cholesterol by 21%.
- Reduces the risk of developing diabetes by up to 30%.
- Reduces the risk of obesity by up to 35%.
Best time to exercise
Specifically, exercising between 7 and 8 a.m. is most effective in reducing the incidence of coronary heart disease, according to Medical Express.
Researchers explain that factors such as hormones, sleep, or genetics may play a significant role in this connection. Additionally, early exercise may lead to higher energy levels and healthier food choices throughout the day.
The research team concluded that exercising at any time is good, but if possible, exercising in the morning, especially between 7 and 8 a.m., will provide optimal protection against cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.