Live Tunisia
Health
With our mild winters and invigorating sea air, Tunisia has all the attributes for
a healthy outdoor life.
Regular exercise in the form of walking, is one of the healthiest things you can
do in your day.
But when is the best time?
Tunisia has all the attributes for a healthy outdoor life.
Research on lung function, body rhythms, temperature, and hormone levels says one thing - to exercise around 6 pm.
Surveys on exercise habits say another - to exercise in the morning before other
commitments distract you, or during the day when you have a free period of time.
Take a look at the pros and cons of when to exercise and work out what is
best for you.
Mornings
Pros:
• The majority of people who exercise consistently do so early in the day. It is easier to
form the exercise habit through morning exercise.
• Fewer distractions and schedule interruptions.
• Can make time for exercise by getting up a bit earlier.
• Raises your heart rate and metabolism to burn more calories earlier in the day.
• Gives a feeling of physical energy for hours.
• Cooler temperatures in summer.
• Air pollution is lowest in the morning.
Cons:
• Body temperature is at its lowest 1-3 hours before awakening, making morning a time
of naturally lower energy and blood flow.
• Cold, stiff muscles may be more prone to injury - be sure to warm up well before doing
a higher speed workout, and do gentle stretching.
• If you do not enjoy morning exercise, you won't easily form a walking habit by
choosing a morning workout time.
• Because body temperature and hormones are higher in late afternoon, you probably
get the same or better calorie-burning effects later in the day.
Cons:
• Time limits may not allow you to get in a full workout - any amount is good, but best if
you can walk for 30-60 minutes or more at a stretch
• Distractions and other commitments may keep you from walking and exercising at the
appointed times.
• Research shows that lung function is worst at noon.
Afternoon or After Work
Research shows afternoon (3-7 pm) to be the best time to exercise for both endurance and for building muscle
Pros:
• For most people, body temperature and hormone levels peak at 6 pm. Exercising 3
hours before or after the peak will give your your best workout for both endurance
and building muscle.
• Research shows lung function is best at 4-5 pm.
• Muscles are warm and flexible.
• Perceived exertion is lowest - how hard you feel yourself to be working at exercise.
So you may be able to work out harder or faster by doing so in the afternoon.
• Stress relief after a day at work, school, or home.
Cons:
• Distractions and other commitments may keep you from walking and exercising at the
appointed times.
Evening
Pros:
• For most people, body temperature and hormone levels peak at 6 pm. Exercising 3 hours before or after the peak will give your your best workout for both endurance and building muscle.
• Muscles are warm and flexible.
• Perceived exertion is low - how hard you feel yourself to be working at exercise. So you may be able to work out harder or faster.
• Can help regulate the amount of food you feel like eating for dinner.
Cons:
• Need to allow one to three hours to wind down after walking or exercise to be able to fall asleep.
• If you discover sleeping problems, need to schedule your workout earlier.
• At dark times of the year, be sure to wear reflective gear.
The Very Best Time . . .
The very best time to walk? Walking can only do you good if you do it.
The best time to walk is the time that will fit best into your schedule so you can do it consistently. Experts agree - it is not the time of day that matters as much as finding the time you can set aside consistently for your workouts.
Noon and Break Time
Pros:
• Can make a habit to walk and exercise
at lunch time and break time.
• Can use a walking and exercise partner
at work, school, or in your
neighbourhood.
• Body temperature and hormone levels
are higher than first thing in the
morning.
• Can help regulate the amount of food
you feel like eating for lunch, can help
you avoid break-time snacking.
• Improves blood flow to the brain so
you are sharper in the afternoon.
• Stress relief from work, school, or
home stresses.
Also In The March Issue
