We’re not morning people. In fact, it takes a bacon sandwich or the promise of a strong cup of coffee to make us leave our duvets behind.
So the idea of getting up to go for a jog might have slipped down the scale of daily chores on our New Year’s resolution lists.
But it’s good news for anyone with good intentions to get fit but hate an early start. Researchers at the University of Birmingham have shown that early morning is one of the worst times to exercise – whether you’re an early riser or not.
The study followed 20 professional athletes through a fitness test six times between the hours of 7am and 10pm. They also asked the participants to fill in a detailed questionnaire asking the men and women to mark whether they were early risers, night owls or if they fell in between.
According to results published in the journal Cell, the studies found that the earliest risers performed best at 12pm, while night owls and those who feel in between peaked between 4 and 8pm.
So what does this mean for those who love to hit snooze on the alarm?
Well despite what you think, you’re actually benefitting your body. Dr. Brandstaetter, who hosted the study, said:
“The body clock has such a big effect because virtually every cell in the body has a clock. There are clocks in the brain and also in the organs, in the heart, in the liver, everything, and your physiology is controlled by these clocks. Everything happens on a day-night basis.”
Dr. Brandstaetter added that the results could be used to increase training levels, improve personal bests and even by sporting teams when choosing to train their players.
So, ladies take your time in the morning and wrap up in your duvet – you’ll nail that run from noon onwards…
