When we exercise is more important than workout type or length in ensuring health
benefits, say scientists from Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands
Exercise sessions should match the body’s circadian rhythms / shutterstock/4 PM production
Spas which offer a fitness element might benefit from thinking about the timings of sessions, according to new research from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology*, found that the most benefit from exercise came when workouts matched the body’s circadian rhythm and that this was “more important” than the type or length of activity.
80,000-plus participants A team of researchers, led by physical therapist Gali Albalak, monitored 86,657 participants aged 42-76 over six years, using wearable trackers to chart heart rate data.
During the follow-up, 2,911 participants developed coronary artery disease (CAD) and 796 participants had suffered a stroke.
Risk patterns for CAD, stroke and ischaemic stroke were identified by investigating their associations with when they had been exercising.
Pattern of activity In terms of preventing CAD, stroke and ischaemic stroke, the researchers found that the optimum time of day to move was 8am-11am. Whereas exercising between 12 noon-6pm was not as beneficial.
Crucially, the data showed the same results, irrespective of personal chronobiology – in layman’s terms, whether the participants were ‘night owls’ or ‘morning larks’.
“The study adds to previous evidence that timing of physical activity is an additional independent contributing factor to cardiovascular risk and therefore adds a novel dimension to cardiovascular risk prevention,” the researchers wrote in their final report.
“Most notably, we observed that participants with the highest daily physical activity performed during the late morning had a 16 per cent decreased risk of CAD and a 17 per cent decreased risk of stroke.”
* Albalak, G et al. Setting your clock: associations between timing of objective physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, February 2023.
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When we exercise is more important than workout type or length in ensuring health
benefits, say scientists from Leiden University Medical Centre in the Netherlands
Exercise sessions should match the body’s circadian rhythms / shutterstock/4 PM production
Spas which offer a fitness element might benefit from thinking about the timings of sessions, according to new research from Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands.
The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology*, found that the most benefit from exercise came when workouts matched the body’s circadian rhythm and that this was “more important” than the type or length of activity.
80,000-plus participants A team of researchers, led by physical therapist Gali Albalak, monitored 86,657 participants aged 42-76 over six years, using wearable trackers to chart heart rate data.
During the follow-up, 2,911 participants developed coronary artery disease (CAD) and 796 participants had suffered a stroke.
Risk patterns for CAD, stroke and ischaemic stroke were identified by investigating their associations with when they had been exercising.
Pattern of activity In terms of preventing CAD, stroke and ischaemic stroke, the researchers found that the optimum time of day to move was 8am-11am. Whereas exercising between 12 noon-6pm was not as beneficial.
Crucially, the data showed the same results, irrespective of personal chronobiology – in layman’s terms, whether the participants were ‘night owls’ or ‘morning larks’.
“The study adds to previous evidence that timing of physical activity is an additional independent contributing factor to cardiovascular risk and therefore adds a novel dimension to cardiovascular risk prevention,” the researchers wrote in their final report.
“Most notably, we observed that participants with the highest daily physical activity performed during the late morning had a 16 per cent decreased risk of CAD and a 17 per cent decreased risk of stroke.”
* Albalak, G et al. Setting your clock: associations between timing of objective physical activity and cardiovascular disease risk in the general population. European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, February 2023.
Read more from this issue of Spa Business magazine
Profile: King of Bhutan
Plans for a 'mindfulness city' nearly as big as Hong Kong have been unveiled by the King of Bhutan. Katie Barnes takes a closer look
Destination focus: London
Major hotel brands from Mandarin Oriental and Raffles to Six Senses are all investing in the UK capital, but how will they differentiate themselves asks Katie Barnes
Sponsored: Beltrami – made in Italy
Beltrami has more than 50 years’ experience creating bespoke textile products for spas around the world, with a focus on quality
Jeremy McCarthy: Details matter
Attention to detail is a superpower and necessity in the luxury spa arena, says our contributing editor
Interview: Esin Güral Argat
The owner of Joali Being tells Neena Dhillon what inspired her to create an island dedicated to transformative wellbeing in the Maldives
Family matters: The Wilhelmis
The father and son duo behind the Buchinger Wilhelmi fasting method share their exciting plans for research and innovation with Megan Whitby
First person: By royal appointment
Lindsay Madden-Nadeau has a hypo-healing experience at Atlantis The Royal, Kerzner's sister property to the iconic Atlantis The Palm
Interview: Lyndell Nelis
The wellness director for Atlantis Resorts explains how its two Dubai properties are 'smashing it' when it comes to spa performance
New opening: Kilolani Spa
Grand Wailea's famous Hawaiian spa has been transformed into a moon-inspired, open-air haven
Event report: Hotting it up
Jane Kitchen reveals the thermal spa issues and trends delegates were talking about at this industry gathering in California
Sponsored: High end
Hoar Cross Hall has a new gym to match its award-winning hotel and spa. We find out more about the transformation
Software: Building relationships
Using personal data to create tailored experiences is paramount for spas, but operators have been fined millions for breaching GDPR. How can software systems help navigate this?
Sponsored: Add life
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times and Starpool is working to bring real meaning to longevity
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The Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, an Autograph Collection property in Hawaii, US, has opened its
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Hotel in St Albans, UK.
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Wellness 2026 research report.
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theme: #JoyMagenta – a celebration of the healing qualities of simple gestures and activities
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Global luxury hospitality brand, Six Senses, has partnered with longevity healthcare provider,
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