Frontiers in Physiology : Best time of day to exercise varies by gender

On May 31, 2022, researchers at Skidmore College and California State University published a study in the journal Frontiers in Physiology on the differences and effects of exercise by gender at different times of the day.

The study included 30 women and 26 men aged 25-55 who participated in a 12-week coaching training. The difference is that female and male participants were previously randomly assigned to two groups, one group exercising between 6:30-8:30 in the morning and the other group exercising between 18:00-20:00 in the evening.

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According to the study results, overall health and performance of all participants improved. Interestingly, only men who exercised at night saw improvements in cholesterol, blood pressure, respiratory exchange rate, and carbohydrate oxidation.

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Specifically, women interested in reducing belly fat and blood pressure while increasing leg muscle strength should consider exercising in the morning. However, for women interested in gaining upper-body muscle strength, strength, and stamina and improving overall mood and nutritional satiety, evening workouts are preferred. Conversely, for men, exercising at night can improve heart and metabolic health as well as emotional health, and burn more fat.

In conclusion, the optimal time of day to exercise varies by gender. The time of day you exercise determines the intensity of physical performance, body composition, cardiometabolic health, and mood improvements. For men, exercising in the evening was more effective than exercising in the morning, while women’s results varied, with different exercise times improving different health outcomes.


Post time: Jun-10-2022