The Impact of Nutrition on Physical Performance

Recent research has deepened our understanding of how the body's circadian rhythm affects overall health.

Studies have shown that disrupting the natural 24-hour sleep/wake cycle can negatively impact cognitive function and increase the risk of conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, obesity, depression, and even some cancers.

Beyond regulating sleep and wakefulness, the circadian rhythm also influences daily activities such as work, meal times, and exercise.

Research indicates that this internal clock can affect exercise performance, recovery, body temperature regulation, and hormonal balance, all of which play a role in physical activity.

A new study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise reveals that exercising at the same time every day may enhance heart and lung health as we age.

Read Also: Encouraging Movement for a Healthier Future

How Exercise Timing Affects Fitness in Older Adults

The study involved approximately 800 older adults with an average age of 76 years.

Participants wore wrist-worn accelerometers for seven days to track their activity levels and took part in cardiopulmonary exercise testing to evaluate heart and lung health.

Researchers also assessed walking efficiency, an indicator of healthy aging.

According to Dr. Karyn Esser, a senior author of the study, cardiorespiratory fitness measures how effectively the heart, lungs, and muscles work together during exercise.

Higher fitness levels are associated with a longer lifespan and reduced mortality risks, while walking efficiency reflects the energy the body uses to walk and overall physical fitness.

Early and Consistent Activity Yields Better Health Results

The study found that participants who were most active earlier in the day and maintained high levels of activity during their active hours had better cardiorespiratory fitness and walking efficiency. Notably, engaging in physical activity at consistent times each day was correlated with improved health outcomes.

"Earlier peak activity and consistent patterns were linked to better results, regardless of total activity levels," explained Dr. Esser. Consistency in activity schedules appears to be a key factor in promoting healthy aging.

Supporting Healthy Aging Through Routine Activity

Dr. Esser highlighted that maintaining a regular daily activity schedule, while paying attention to timing and routine, fosters overall health as we age. While life expectancy has increased, the focus has shifted to enhancing the quality of life and reducing age-related chronic illnesses.

By timing activities earlier in the day and maintaining consistency, individuals may gain added health benefits beyond just engaging in physical activity.

Read Also: Morning Walking Tips for a Healthier Routine

Future Perspectives on Tailored Exercise Recommendations

Commenting on the study, Dr. Cheng-Han Chen, a cardiologist, noted that timing daily physical activity could allow for more tailored exercise recommendations aimed at maximizing physiological advantages.

This growing understanding of circadian rhythms and their role in exercise may pave the way for personalized fitness plans in the future.

To summarize, exercise timing and consistency are essential factors that align with the body’s circadian rhythms to foster better cardiovascular and lung health, enhancing the aging process and potentially improving overall quality of life.

Source: medicalnewstoday

The opinions shared in the GymNation blog articles are solely those of the respective authors and may not represent the perspectives of GymNation or any member of the GymNation team.