When is the best time to exercise?

SINGAPORE – Lower temperatures, little activity and quietness makes night-time a good time for exercising.

But exercising at night may not make you fitter than going for jogs during the day.

“The time of day does not matter. What is more important is that the exercise sessions should be regular,” said Dr Roger Tian, a consultant sports physician at the Singapore Sports Medicine Centre at Novena Medical Centre and the Changi Sports Medicine Centre at Changi General Hospital.

Exercising three to five days a week at the correct intensity helps to improve fitness.

The National Physical Activity Guidelines laid out by the Health Promotion Board last year recommend 150 minutes a week of aerobic activity at moderate intensity to reduce the risk of obesity and illnesses such as heart disease and colon cancer.

While exercising at moderate intensity, people should still be able to talk but not sing.

Working adults may find it more convenient to exercise at night and anything that makes people exercise should be encouraged.

“But do note that intense exercise close to bedtime can lead to insomnia, due to the post-exercise elevation in the heart rate, body temperature and stress hormones,” Dr Tian cautioned.

Source: Mind Your Body, The Straits Times

Category: Wellness and Complementary Therapies