There are three major pillars of fitness: diet, exercise & lifestyle. If we talk about exercise, we have several things you could be doing to check that box off — even something as simple as walking.
As more and more people are becoming aware of the importance of staying fit, they are beginning to incorporate some form of exercise into their routines. For many, it’s walking, especially popular amongst the older generations and people with joint or mobility issues. This is because walking is a low to moderate-intensity activity that’s easy on the joints and accessible to most. Not only that, but many people find comfort and relaxation when they go for a walk, which boosts their mood.
Many people prefer to walk in the morning, while others prefer the evenings. But is there any real difference between the two except for the time? And if there is, which one is better?
Well, we plan on putting an end to this debate and helping you understand which is better: morning walks or evening walks. In this blog, you will learn about the benefits of both and decide for yourself which one you should be doing.
Table of Contents
- Is It Better To Walk In The Morning or In The Evening For Weight Loss?
- Benefits of Morning Walk & Evening Walk
- Dietitian’s Recommendation
- The Final Say
- FAQs
- References
Is It Better To Walk In The Morning or In The Evening For Weight Loss?
Walk smarter, not harder.
Walking is considered a low-intensity activity when you’re walking under 4.8 km/h. For it to be considered a moderate-intensity workout, your pace needs to be at a minimum of 4.8 km/h or above, which may also be regarded as brisk walking.
However, the exact paces can vary from person to person because different speeds look different on everyone. For instance, 7 km/h speed may be a brisk walking speed for a person who is 6 feet tall, whereas the same speed may be jogging for someone 5 feet tall.
Although walking at a low intensity will still offer you all the benefits of walking, it’s better to walk at a moderate intensity to really make those benefits count. Here are some benefits of walking every day:
- Improves heart rate
- Aids weight loss
- Boosts mood
- Supports bone health
- Improves flexibility
- Boosts immune system
- Enhances mental clarity
- Improves sleep
Both morning and evening walks can offer these benefits, but there are some specific benefits attached to walking at a particular time. However, the effectiveness of both will depend largely on how well they fit into your routine and how your body responds to it. The most important thing is choosing a time that fits your personal schedule, energy level and lifestyle, a time that you can maintain and stick to in the long run.
If you kickstart your day with a morning walk, not only would it set a positive tone for the rest of the day, but also wake up your metabolism and get your body moving right from the start. A morning brisk walk, in particular, can ignite your energy, raise your heart rate, and keep your calorie burn high throughout the day. Besides, getting your regular walk early means you're less likely to skip it later due to whatever reason.
On the other hand, if you find that you have more energy later in the day, an evening walk might be the better option that can help you wind down and relax after a busy day. It can be a great stress relief, offering you a perfect time to clear your mind. Oh, and not to mention the fact that an after-dinner stroll can boost digestion and curb the temptation to snack late at night, making it a healthy habit to support your evening routine.
Also Read: 10 Health Benefits of Walking For Weight Loss, Heart Health, Stress, And More
Benefits of Morning Walk & Evening Walk
Whether it’s the dawn or dusk, your perfect walk awaits!
Let’s look at the separate benefits of walking in the morning and walking in the evening:
Morning Walk Benefits | |
| 1. Speeds Up Metabolism |
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| 2. Improves Mood & Mental Focus |
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| 3. Establishes A Routine |
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| 4. Improves Sleep Quality |
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Also Read: Step Your Way to Health: 8 Benefits of Walking 10,000 Steps a Day And Insights to Lose Weight Fast
Evening Walk Benefits | |
| 1. Reduces Stress |
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| 2. Increases Physical Performance |
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| 3. Offers Flexibility |
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| 4. Facilitates Social Interaction |
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Also Read: 7 Benefits Of Walking After Dinner For Weight Loss With Considerations!
Dietitian’s Recommendation
Regular exercise, such as walking, is not only beneficial for health but also necessary for sustaining a fit body. If you choose walking as your choice of exercise, I would advise you to use the correct footwear, which would help you maintain proper posture and alignment and reduce the risk of injuries such as sprains, strains and blisters.
If you can, then try to maintain a pace above 4.5 km/h for increased benefits. Along with walking, you should also eat a healthy, balanced and nutritious diet.
Dt. Lavina Chauhan
The Final Say
Whether you walk in the morning or the evening, walking can be a great exercise to complement your health. It can improve blood circulation, improve heart rate, aid weight loss and boost immune function.
Morning walks may be more beneficial for rapid weight loss as they have the potential to increase metabolism throughout the day, especially if you walk on an empty stomach at a moderate to high intensity. However, evening walks can be just as effective if they fit better into your lifestyle and allow for more intense exercise.
FAQs
1. How much should I walk each day?
You should aim for at least 30-60 minutes of walking per day for maximum benefits. You can divide this time into groups and spread them out into separate sessions throughout the day.
2. Does walking reduce belly fat?
Walking can help you lose weight and lose belly fat. However, walking will only supplement belly fat loss, and you will need to add a healthy diet as well.
3. What time of day is healthiest to walk?
The healthiest time to walk depends on your schedule and energy levels, but morning walks can boost metabolism and enhance mood, while evening walks help with relaxation and digestion.
References
- https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/walking-in-morning-vs-walking-during-evening-hours-which-is-better/articleshow/110811551.cms
- https://www.healthshots.com/fitness/weight-loss/morning-vs-evening-walk-for-weight-loss/
- https://www.verywellfit.com/the-best-time-of-day-to-walk-and-exercise-3432463
- https://hindi.news18.com/news/lifestyle/health-make-habit-of-walking-in-evening-there-will-be-7-miraculous-benefits-for-health-stress-will-also-end-5956687.html#google_vignette
- https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/walking/fit-in-walking-morning-noon-or-night
- https://www.lifestyleasia.com/ind/beauty-grooming/wellness/weight-loss-exercise-morning-vs-evening-walk/
- https://english.jagran.com/lifestyle/morning-walk-vs-evening-walk-which-is-better-for-quick-weight-loss-and-general-fitness-10183188
- https://www.livewelldorset.co.uk/faq/get-active/when-is-the-best-time-to-go-for-a-walk-morning-or-evening/
- https://activitytracker.app/blog/the-best-time-for-walking-morning-or-evening/
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