Timing and consistency of activity linked to better fitness
In the journals
- Reviewed by Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
Experts say that the best time to exercise is the time that works for you. However, a new study suggests that being active earlier in the day may be linked to more health benefits. Researchers asked 800 adults (average age 76) to wear wrist devices that continuously monitored their activity for seven days. Activity included structured exercise and everyday movements, such as walking, gardening, and household chores. Everyone then underwent testing to assess their heart and lung health (collectively known as cardiorespiratory fitness) and walking efficiency (the amount of energy required to walk at a person’s preferred walking speed).
The study found that people whose peak activity occurred before 1 p.m. had better heart and lung fitness and walking efficiency compared to those whose peak activity occurred later in the day (after 4 p.m.). Those with consistent early activity schedules also experienced more benefits than people who alternated between early and late activity. The results were published online April 18, 2025, by Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise.
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About the Author
Matthew Solan, Executive Editor, Harvard Men's Health Watch
About the Reviewer
Howard E. LeWine, MD, Chief Medical Editor, Harvard Health Publishing; Editorial Advisory Board Member, Harvard Health Publishing
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