Are you trying to lose weight but feeling discouraged by slow progress? A recent study from the Karolinska Institutet in Sweden and the University of Copenhagen in Denmark may provide some insight into what could be going wrong. The study shows that the time of day when you exercise might be as important as the intensity of your workout.
The research suggests that exercising during your early active phase, which is typically in the morning for humans, increases metabolism and helps burn more fat. In contrast, exercising at a time when you usually rest could be less effective in terms of boosting metabolism and burning fat.
Mice were used for the study as they share many physiological functions with humans. The researchers examined the adipose tissue of mice after high-intensity exercise performed at two different points of the daily cycle, an early active phase, and an early rest phase, corresponding to late morning and late evening exercise sessions in humans.
Study Findings
The study found that exercising during the early active phase increased the expression of genes involved in the breakdown of adipose tissue, thermogenesis (heat production), and mitochondria in adipose tissue. These effects were independent of food intake and observed only in mice that exercised in the early active phase. The study’s lead researcher, Professor Juleen R. Zierath, suggests that the results indicate that late morning exercise could be more effective than late evening exercise in terms of boosting metabolism and burning fat.
The study’s results highlight that the body’s energy balance is sensitive to the timing of exercise. Exercise can act on tissue-specific peripheral clocks to alter the expression of genes that influence metabolism in a time-of-day dependent manner. It is, therefore, essential to choose the right time of day to exercise to increase the health benefits and boost fat metabolism.
More Studies Are Needed
The study has significant implications for those who are trying to lose weight or improve their metabolism. Still, it is essential to note that the study was conducted on mice, and more research is necessary to determine whether the findings apply to humans. Mice are nocturnal, and humans have different biological processes. Therefore, it is vital to be cautious in interpreting the study’s results and consider more research on the topic.
The Bottom Line
If you are looking to increase your metabolism and lose weight, it is worth considering the time of day when you exercise. The study suggests that exercising during your early active phase, which is typically in the morning for humans, might be the best time to boost your metabolism and burn more fat. However, more research is needed to validate these findings in humans. Regardless of the time you exercise, staying active and getting regular exercise is crucial for maintaining overall health and well-being.
Rahul is a sports and performance consultant. Over the course of his 15-year career in the fitness sector, he has held positions as a strength and conditioning instructor, gym owner, and consultant.
He is deeply committed to assisting people in finding happiness and feeling good about themselves.
Rahul has a master’s degree in exercise science and is a certified NSCA CSCS and CISSN.