Early Morning Exercisers Gain the Most Health Benefits, New Study Finds
People who exercise in the early morning hours may reap significantly greater health benefits than those who work out later in the day, according to a new study that adds fresh evidence to the ongoing debate about the best time to exercise.
The research, published in the journal Obesity and reported by U.S. News & World Report on March 20, 2026, found that individuals who consistently exercised between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. experienced superior improvements in cardiovascular health, weight management, blood pressure control, and overall metabolic function compared with those who exercised in the afternoon or evening.
The study tracked thousands of adults over several years and controlled for total exercise volume, intensity, age, diet, and other lifestyle factors. Participants wh...