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Staying Fit
The ‘Right Time’ to Exercise Morning, evening…what’s best for your workout?Morning, evening…what’s best for you? Between working, shuttling the children around and keeping up with the laundry, who has time for exercise? “Given today’s hectic lifestyles, when people do have free time they’re often too exhausted,” says exercise physiologist Jennifer Kornhausl of Lehigh Valley Hospital and Health Network. To get that physical activity that’s so vital to your health, plan it into your day. Maybe you can set a time, maybe you have to be flexible. (We all need 30-60 minutes daily, but it can be in smaller segments.) Here’s a round-the-clock summary to help you. Morning — A pre-breakfast workout helps raise your heart rate and metabolism so you’ll burn more calories. “You haven’t eaten since dinner, so have something light before exercising,” Kornhausl says. Fresh from sleep, your body also will need a longer warm-up at this hour to prevent injury. Noon —“Body temperature is higher and muscles are warmer and more flexible by midday,” Kornhausl says. Exercise during the lunch hour is an easy habit to schedule. It also helps improve blood flow to the brain, which makes afternoon work more productive. Afternoon —Late afternoon is the ideal time for exercise. Body temperature reaches its natural high between 2 and 4 p.m., resulting in warmer muscles, quicker reaction time, optimal blood pressure and resting heart rate, and peak strength. The downside is that this time of day has lots of built-in family and work distractions. “But if you can schedule a late-afternoon workout, take advantage of it,” Kornhausl says. Evening —Exercising after work is a good way to relieve stress, especially if it’s been a long day. “You’ll be more comfortable if you wait an hour after dinner,” Kornhausl says. “And be cautious about doing a hard workout just before bed. For some people, it can make falling asleep difficult.” The bottom line? “Any time can be the right time to exercise,” Kornhausl says. “It’s really a matter of what’s most comfortable and workable for you.”
Want to Know Moreabout how to reduce your risk for heart attack and stroke through exercise and other strategies? Click here for a list of local fitness centers. This page last updated 4/21/08 05:06 PM
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