Optimal Exercise Timing: Different for Men and Women, Tailored to Your Objectives, State Researchers

**Benefits of Morning Exercise for Women**

When it comes to exercise, timing matters. According to a study conducted on lean, healthy middle-aged men and women, the time of day a person exercises can have different effects on their body. For women, exercising in the morning resulted in greater abdominal fat loss, lower blood pressure, and increased lower-body muscle power.

**Benefits of Evening Exercise for Women**

On the other hand, women who exercised in the evening experienced significant increases in upper body muscle strength, power, and endurance. Additionally, they reported enhanced mood after their evening workouts.

**Benefits of Evening Exercise for Men**

For men, evening exercise had its own unique benefits. It was found to lower systolic blood pressure and fatigue, as well as stimulate fat oxidation.

**Considerations for Planning Your Workouts**

The researchers of the study emphasized that the time of day one exercises can greatly influence the results they see. This is important to note even when considering diet alone. Therefore, if you have specific wellness goals, taking the time of day into account when planning your workouts may be beneficial.

**The Impact of Exercise Timing on Mortality**

A separate study published in Nature Communications further supports the idea that exercise timing has significant health implications. The study found that engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity during the middle of the day (11 a.m. – 5 p.m.) is associated with a lower risk of mortality from any cause, including cardiovascular disease. This trend was particularly evident among males, older adults, individuals with lower physical activity levels, and those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.

In conclusion, when it comes to exercise, the time of day can have a significant impact on the outcomes and benefits experienced. Morning exercise offers benefits such as abdominal fat loss, lower blood pressure, and increased lower-body muscle power for women. On the other hand, evening exercise can greatly improve upper body strength, power, and endurance for women, as well as lower blood pressure and stimulate fat oxidation for men. Additionally, timing your workouts during the middle of the day may decrease the risk of mortality, especially for certain population groups. Therefore, it is important to consider the time of day and your specific wellness goals when planning your exercise routine.