Best time of day to exercise for weight loss - and it's different for women

When it comes to shedding pounds and building muscle, research indicates that the best time to hit the gym may vary between men and women. A 12-week study conducted by US scientists aimed to

pinpoint the elusive 'perfect' workout time, taking into account gender differences. The results suggested that timing workouts for specific outcomes could boost your fitness

efforts. The study found that women aiming to burn belly fat and reduce blood pressure should consider morning workouts. Factors such as hormonal fluctuations, sleep patterns, and other

biological disparities might account for this gender-based difference. READ MORE: LONG LIFE EXPERTS SAY 'SUPERFOOD' DESSERT PROMOTES LONGEVITY AND FIGHTS DISEASES WHAT IS THE BEST

TIME OF DAY TO EXERCISE? Research from Skidmore College in New York proposes that morning exercise sessions might be more beneficial, particularly for women, while men might benefit more

from evening workouts. The study involved 30 male and 26 female participants, all healthy and aged between 25 and 55. One group worked out for an hour before 8.30am, while the other group

engaged in the same activities between 6pm and 8pm, all adhering to a specific diet. Dr Paul Arcerio, the study's lead author and professor of health and human physiological sciences at

Skidmore College, told the BBC that people "have more opportunity to benefit" from early morning exercise. Recent research reveals that women on a quest to shed abdominal fat and

reduce blood pressure could potentially see more benefits from exercising in the morning, while evening sessions may be optimal for muscle building and mood enhancement. Men, meanwhile,

might experience a boost in cardiovascular health and emotional well-being with nighttime workouts. Dr Arcerio said: "[Evening exercise is] ideal for men interested in improving heart

and metabolic health, as well as emotional wellbeing." The study, which appeared in the journal Frontiers in Physiology, focused on already healthy individuals but suggests potential

future applications for those who are overweight. DOES IT MATTER WHAT TIME OF DAY YOU EXERCISE? While the exact timing of workouts seems to impact men less, both regular exercise and a

balanced diet are universally acknowledged as positive health contributors. Anytime you can squeeze in a workout, irrespective of the time, is better than not exercising at all. The NHS says

that most adults should aim to do some kind of physical activity every day, working on strengthening activities that work all the major muscle groups You should also do at least 150 minutes

of moderate intensity activity a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week. Examples of moderate intensity exercise include brisk walking, dancing or riding a bike, whereas

running, swimming and other sports like football and rugby are considered vigorous. IF YOU WANT IDEAS AND INSPIRATION TO PLAN YOUR NEXT UK ADVENTURE PLUS SELECTED OFFERS AND COMPETITIONS,

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