The Power Hour
Sweating at sunrise, or crushing it after work? We assess the smartest time for you to train to smash your personal goals
If you want a deadlift PB: choose PM
Your anaerobic capacity is 7% higher later on in the day, reports Applied Physiology, Nutrition and Metabolism. Plus, your muscles will be warmer.
If you want weight loss: choose AM
Early exercisers tend to hit a higher daily step count and also eat roughly 100kcal fewer than late sleepers, according to an International Journal of Obesity study.
If you want to unwind: choose PM
Exercise lowers your levels of stress hormones such as cortisol and adrenalin. That makes a steady-state, after-work run the smart way for you to switch off.
If you want enhanced focus: choose AM
A morning session, coupled with frequent walking breaks, sharpens your decision-making, reports the British Journal of Sports Medicine.