Recent research shows time of day makes a difference for cardiometabolic benefits.
For those coping with type 2 diabetes, training at the end of the day improves glucose metabolism, according to a study described in Obesity (2024; doi: 10.1002/oby.24063). Researchers from the University of Granada, Spain, recruited 186 overweight or obese men and women with an average age of 47 years. All participants wore accelerometers that tracked activity levels and times of day. Data analysis showed that doing moderate to vigorous physical activity during the evening improved glucose levels. This link is even more pronounced for people with impaired glucose regulation.
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA
Shirley Eichenberger-Archer, JD, MA, is an internationally acknowledged integrative health and mindfulness specialist, best-selling author of 16 fitness and wellness books translated into multiple languages and sold worldwide, award-winning health journalist, contributing editor to Fitness Journal, media spokesperson, and IDEA's 2008 Fitness Instructor of the Year. She's a 25-year industry veteran and former health and fitness educator at the Stanford Prevention Research Center, who has served on multiple industry committees and co-authored trade books and manuals for ACE, ACSM and YMCA of the USA. She has appeared on TV worldwide and was a featured trainer on America's Next Top Model.
