The greatest exercise time When TODAY.com consulted numerous experts, they all agreed: Morning workouts are optimal for logistics, effectiveness, and health.
A new Obesity study indicated that exercising between 7 and 9 a.m. may aid with weight loss. In 5,200 persons 20 and older, moderate to vigorous morning activity was related with a lower body mass index than lunchtime or afternoon exercise.
However, other reasons may explain the findings. Morning exercisers were more likely than lunchtime or afternoon exercisers to never smoke or drink, work out at the same time, and consume less calories.
Lead researcher Tongyu Ma, research assistant professor at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, told NBC News that his "cautious suggestion" from the study is to exercise in the morning before eating to lose more weight.
Cameron Mitchell, Ph.D., associate professor of kinesiology at The University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada, who was not involved in the new research, told NBC News that the study did not prove early workouts lead to "optimal health".
Ross Andersen, Ph.D., McGill University professor of exercise physiology, medicine, and nutrition, who was not involved in the study, told NBC News that morning exercisers likely also engage in other healthy habits.
In February 2023, a research revealed midday and afternoon exercise reduced early death risk, especially for specific persons.