Expert Answers: Exercise Before or After Work?

If you've recently gotten back into a fitness routine, you might be questioning if your workout schedule is effective, especially on busy workdays. 

Are you optimizing your exercise time? Is there an ideal time for working out, or could you choose a better one?

In a recent podcast, health experts at ZOE discussed this topic with Karyn Esser, a professor in the Department of Physiology and Aging at the University of Florida.

They explored when exercising is most beneficial and how it fits into a busy workday.

Should You Exercise Before or After Work?

During the podcast, Professor Esser stated, "Just like light adjusts the clock in the brain, the time you exercise adjusts your muscle clocks."

While this concept might seem unrelated to work, shift workers can attest to the feeling of jet lag and the misalignment with their body clocks, similar to traveling across time zones.

When Is the Best Time to Work Out?

According to Professor Esser, "I would suggest exercising before you start your work, before you start your shift, rather than at the end of the shift.

I think having that exercise before you start will be more beneficial than at the end."

Exercising in the morning is likely to help align your internal body clock with your daily schedule.

However, if you're not a morning person or your mornings are too hectic, any time is a good time for fitness.

The NHS states, "Whatever your age, there's strong scientific evidence that being physically active can help you lead a healthier and happier life.

People who exercise regularly have a lower risk of developing many long-term (chronic) conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, stroke, and some cancers."

In summary, while morning workouts may offer additional benefits by syncing your body's internal clock, exercising at any time of the day is beneficial.

Prioritize finding a workout schedule that fits your lifestyle and keeps you active.

Source: news

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