By the time you get home from a hard day of work, the last thing you want to do is exercise. So why not start your day off with an energy-boosting workout? For some people, waking up and working out does not a good match make. But experts say that an a.m. exercise program is just the way to start the day. You're getting active first thing in the morning, According to Cedric Bryant, head exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise, people who work out in the morning are most likely to stay the course. Also, life is hectic - so getting your regimen done first thing leaves less chance that it will be thrown off by unexpected turns of events. Of course, there is also research behind the benefits of morning exercise. Studies indicate that women ages 50 to 75 who worked out in the morning for fours a week slept better than those who worked out in the evening. The women who engaged in p.m. workouts actually had a harder time falling asleep. Exercising too late in the evening can actually interfere with sleep because it raises the body's heart rate and temperature.
Most experts suggest exercising at least a few hours before you turn in, if you prefer to work out at night. And a recent article in the New York Times suggests that people have more energy and power when they exercise later in the day. That's because the body is warmer, there is less fluid in the spine and the heart rate can go higher. Exercising in the morning is actually harder for individuals. Regardless of which way the evidence points, it all comes down to personal preference. Try working out at different times throughout the day, and see which one fits your lifestyle best. Although there is evidence supporting late afternoon workouts, an a.m. exercise routine can work if you're careful. If you're engaging in intense physical activity, don't jump right into your regimen. Gradually, work up to that level. Although there are arguments in favor of both morning and evening exercise, the bottom line is that exercise at any point in the day is integral to good health.