Living a healthy lifestyle is something many people aspire to do. However, this is easier said than done. Most people find themselves saying they want to lead a healthy lifestyle but never make a move to start or they start and give up quickly. Health is the ultimate wealth and should be the number one priority in life. So, how does one achieve a healthy lifestyle? It begins with a proper diet and regular physical activity. This article will focus on the physical activity side of the equation.

Are you one of those people who spends a good part of the day sitting? If you live a sedentary lifestyle, starting an exercise program can be daunting, but physical activity is vital to your health. Joining a gym works for some people, but you don’t have to – just open the front door and go for a walk.

The question then arises when to exercise. Is there an ideal time during the day that is most beneficial? The perfect exercise time is whenever you have the time during the day to it consistently. For some people, that’s in the morning for others, that’s in the evening. Generally, there is no magical time during the day that is going to burn more calories.

Even so, research has shown that an individual’s circadian rhythms should determine the best time to exercise. Circadian rhythms are like the internal clock in the body. They are responsible for controlling blood pressure, temperature, appetite, hormones, and sleep patterns. These rhythms create a routine for the body, and a healthy human body loves routine. When a person experiences jet lag after crossing multiple time zones, it’s the circadian rhythm that gets out of line and causes issues.

So, the ideal time for any individual is when it works best in their routine and can be done consistently. Early morning workouts make some people sharper and more productive during the day. To others, early afternoon and evening runs are more productive and help them stay alert. For some office workers, working out after a long day at work helps get rid of stress and controls the number of calories consumed at dinner.

With exercising, consistency is critical. Try different times of day until you discover the time that works best for you. Start with making regular exercise a habit, then graduate and add more routines for a healthy lifestyle, including getting enough sleep, and eating a healthy diet.

For more information on proper physical activity and healthy living contact Preston Chiropractic and Acupuncture for a consultation. Call 919-238-5040.