Young adults, aged 18 to 35, are a unique group. They're not kids anymore, but they're not quite adults either. This makes them different from older adults in how they behave and what they need. A recent study looked into how the time of day young adults exercise affects their overall activity levels and body mass index (BMI).

The study involved young adults who were part of a weight management program. They wore special devices called ActiGraph accelerometers for 4 to 7 days. These devices tracked their physical activity during different times of the day. The day was split into four parts: morning (6:00 AM to 11:59 AM), afternoon (12:00 PM to 3:59 PM), evening (4:00 PM to 6:59 PM), and night (7:00 PM to 11:59 PM). The goal was to see if the time of day they exercised had any impact on their overall weekly physical activity and BMI.

The results showed that the time of day young adults exercised did affect their overall weekly physical activity, but it didn't have any impact on their BMI. For example, women who exercised in the afternoon tended to have less overall weekly physical activity. This might be because afternoon exercise can disrupt their daily routines or because they're too tired or busy to maintain a consistent exercise schedule.

However, the study also found that exercising in the morning or at night was linked to more overall weekly physical activity. This was true for both men and women. This could be because morning exercise helps set a positive tone for the rest of the day, while night exercise might be a way to unwind and relax.

The study also looked at "bouted" physical activity, which is when you exercise for a set amount of time without stopping. This type of exercise is often more intense and can lead to better fitness results. The study found that morning bouted exercise was linked to more overall weekly physical activity for everyone. Night bouted exercise was also linked to more overall weekly physical activity for women.

The study suggests that exercise programs for young adults could be more effective if they take into account the time of day. For example, encouraging young adults to exercise in the morning or at night could help them get more physical activity throughout the week. This could be especially helpful for young adults who are trying to manage their weight or improve their overall health.

The study also highlights the importance of bouted physical activity. This type of exercise can be more challenging, but it can also lead to better fitness results. Encouraging young adults to engage in bouted physical activity, especially in the morning or at night, could help them get more out of their exercise routines.

The study also raises some interesting questions. For example, why does afternoon exercise seem to be less effective for women? Is it because of their daily routines, or is there something else going on? The study doesn't have all the answers, but it does provide some valuable insights into how young adults can get the most out of their exercise routines.

When and Why Young Adults Should Exercise

Actions