The Best Time To Exercise in NZ: According to Active Kiwis
Are you looking to optimise your fitness routine but unsure about the best time to break a sweat? Let's dive into the facts and help you make the most out of your workouts.
According to various studies, there's no one-size-fits-all answer to this. The optimal time to exercise largely depends on your personal goals and circumstances.
Morning Workouts
For those focused on losing inches around the middle, morning workouts are an excellent choice. They can help zap abdominal fat and improve blood pressure better than late-day training. Plus, imagine starting your day with a quick jog through the Redwoods in Rotorua - stunning.
Afternoon & Evening Workouts
If you're keen on building strength and power, afternoon or evening workouts might be more beneficial. Research suggests that physical performance, including muscle strength, flexibility, power output, and endurance, tends to peak in the evening.
A study published in the Journal of Physiology found that exercising between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. could shift your body clock forward, just in time to catch the sunset at Piha Beach.
Personal Preference
It's crucial to remember that the best time to exercise is when you can fit it into your schedule consistently. Whether that's before work, during your lunch break, or after a long day. If you can only spare time for a quick surf at Raglan before work, then morning is undoubtedly the best time for you. Likewise, if evenings are more convenient after a busy day at the office, then that's a perfect time to get moving.
While science provides some guidance on the optimal time to exercise, personal preference and consistency ultimately reign supreme. So, listen to your body and choose a time that feels right for you.
Remember, every step, stretch, and lift counts towards your fitness journey – whether you're hiking up Mount Cook or strolling through the vineyards in Marlborough.
Why wait? Get started today!
