Engaging in any kind of movement or physical activity holds numerous health benefits, especially for those with a sedentary lifestyle. Walking, in particular, stands out, but the question arises: does it offer the same advantages as other forms of exercise? And if it does, when is the best time to take a walk—in the morning, evening, or anytime during the day? Here, we aim to unravel and decode that mystery for you. In this blog, we will delve into the comparison of morning walk vs evening walk and decode which one is better for your health.
| Aspect | Morning Walk | Evening Walk |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Kickstarting metabolism, energy boost for the day | Relaxing and unwinding after a day’s work |
| Benefits | – Enhances mood and alertness – May improve weight management – Helps control food cravings – Potentially better air quality and less pollution | – Helps relieve stress and anxiety – Can improve digestion – Promotes better sleep quality – Often more convenient and safer in well-lit urban areas |
| Drawbacks | – May require waking up early – Could be challenging in colder climates due to morning chill | – Potential safety concerns in less populated or poorly lit areas – Might feel tired or lack motivation after a long day |
| Ideal For | Early risers, individuals looking to increase daily energy and manage weight | Those with busy mornings, individuals seeking stress relief and better slee |
| Physical Impact | – Stimulates faster calorie burn throughout the day – More likely to improve cardiovascular health due to increased consistency | – Aids in muscle relaxation and recovery – Less intense on the cardiovascular system, suitable for winding down |
| Social Aspect | – Less likely for group activities due to early morning hours | – More opportunities for social walks in the evening |
| Effect on Sleep | – Can lead to earlier bedtime and potentially longer sleep | – May disrupt sleep if done too close to bedtime unless intensity is low |
| Environmental Conditions | – Often cooler and quieter, less traffic – May face early morning darkness in winter | – Typically warmer, which can be more comfortable – More traffic and noise, depending on the location |
Early Morning Walk: Why It Might Be Better
The benefits of morning walks are no secret. If you are someone who does not mind waking up early, do not hesitate to tie your laces and go for an early morning walk.
As per the study published by Harvard Research, the morning walk is no less than a wonder drug. The researchers at Harvard analysed the weight-promoting genes in 12,000 people and found that morning walks effectively curtailed the effects of these genes by 50%. Candidates who took an early morning walk were able to counteract the 12 weight-promoting genes.
Another study by Exeter University found that a 15-minute morning walk can help control food cravings, especially for sugary foods. This means if you walk in the morning, you might not want to eat as many sweets during the day.
1. A morning walk helps control food cravings
One of the benefits of a morning walk is it helps control the food cravings and tame a sweet tooth. A study by Exeter University found that taking a 15-minute early morning walk can limit the cravings for sugary food.
2. Improved Immunity
An enhanced immune system is one of the most significant morning walk advantages. A 20-minute walk can protect a person against the cold and flu.
As per a study conducted on 1,000 men and women, people who walked at least five times a day had fewer sick days than people who did not walk.
3. Joint pain relief
As we grow old, our joints deteriorate, resulting in excruciating pain. Studies have suggested a vital morning walk advantage in relieving arthritis pain.
When people regularly walk every morning, their joint muscles get stronger, providing better support to the bone. Regular movement also helps to lubricate the joints keeping them functioning properly.
4. Reduces the risk of breast cancer
As per the study published by the American Cancer Society, any type of physical activity can reduce the risk of breast cancer among women.
The study showed that women who walked at least 7 hours per week had 14% lower chances of getting breast cancer than those who walked 4 hours or less.
Drawbacks of early morning walk
There are no disadvantages of a morning walk as such. However, when compared with the evening or afternoon walk, timing can be a bit tricky.
This applies especially to people living in remote areas. It is not always feasible for people to walk alone in the early morning. It can either be too dark or too unsafe for an early morning walk. You may also not be able to walk during freezing temperatures. These factors have to be taken into consideration for a morning walk.
Another challenge you can face while taking an early morning walk is the stiffness of muscles. The body temperature and blood pressure are at their lowest in the morning. Hence, you may want to warm up your body before doing a higher-speed workout.
If you want to enjoy the benefits of a morning walk, consider these obstacles and see if it is a viable option.
Evening Walk: A Perfect Way to Unwind
Evening hours are most suitable for scheduling exercises. Most people prefer working out in the evening after completing their office working hours. There are many benefits of an evening walk, along with a few drawbacks.
Evening walks also have strong research backing them up. Studies show that walking in the evening can help you relax after a long day at work. This is because walking can reduce stress levels and help you unwind.
Research also suggests that walking after dinner can help with digestion and improve sleep quality. When you walk after eating, it helps your body process the food better and can lead to a more restful night’s sleep.
1. Improves Mental Health
Evening walks can play a crucial role in improving mental health. The act of walking not only exercises the body but also calms the mind. After a day filled with tasks, walking can serve as a meditative practice to clear your thoughts, reduce anxiety, and elevate mood levels.
2. Enhances Metabolic Function
While morning walks are often touted for kickstarting metabolism, evening walks can also boost metabolic functions by aiding in better digestion of dinner and more gradual lowering of blood sugar levels overnight. This can be particularly beneficial for those managing diabetes or metabolic syndrome.
3. Destressing after work
While the benefits of morning walk are endless, an evening walk can be a great way to relieve body stress after a long day of work. Evening exercises can also prevent you from consuming a heavy dinner.
You can get busy with evening walks and avoid boredom that sometimes can lead to unhealthy snacking. Post-dinner walks can be a way to spend time with the family and digest the food.
Taking a walk during the evening can also help you sleep better.
Drawbacks of an evening walk
The only disadvantage of a night walk or an evening walk is it can be dark and unsafe to walk during the evening time at times. The traffic can be at its peak. Therefore, you may want to take precautions accordingly.
At times, the day can be tiring and stressful demotivating you to continue the workout. Thus, it may not be possible to keep your evening walk consistent. When you work out intensely during the nighttime, it can disrupt your sleep. In this case, decrease your walking speed and schedule it early
Morning Walk Vs. Evening Walk: Which is better?
Morning walk or evening walk, which is better? The debate is endless. Both morning and evening walks have benefits with a few drawbacks. While you should try to schedule the walk during the morning, ensure that you go for a walk at any time of your choosing or preference.
Morning walk or exercise which is better? Both have their unique benefits. A morning walk can boost your metabolism and help with weight control, while evening walks can help reduce stress and improve sleep quality.
Walking in the morning vs evening has different appeals, and the best time really depends on your personal health goals, lifestyle, and safety considerations. Morning walk and evening gym could also be an option for those who prefer a mix of both benefits.
For More Updates Watch this Video:
FAQs
Anjani Kumar Shrivastava, a distinguished yoga expert with decades of experience, brings healing and wisdom through yoga therapy, meditation, and Ayurvedic principles. His remarkable Read more
