When is walking better?
In the quest for a healthier lifestyle, the debate between morning and evening walks often takes center stage. But here’s the truth: there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The best time for your daily stroll depends on your unique schedule and lifestyle, making your decision less about the clock and more about fitting wellness seamlessly into your day.
Walking barefoot, as and when possible, brings in sensory integration for elders and children. Additionally, children develop a good arch if given more opportunities to walk barefoot and let the gravity sensors in the feet educate the child for a good, balanced stride and posture, explained Dr Karthiyayini, head, wellness and well being at Columbia Pacific Communities.
According to Dr Karthiyayini, our body clock works by the circadian rhythm, requiring more muscle strength for any activity after 2.30 pm. “It is when our body clock works well for best coordination and better responsiveness, and by 5 pm, we are at our best cardiovascular efficiency and muscle strength,” said Dr Karthiyayini.
She explained that our physiology supports walking in the evening, which is better and requires less effort. “But environmental pollution makes it difficult due to the heavily polluted air later in the day. Since the pollutants settle down by night, there is less pollution in the early morning, making walking in the morning more beneficial than walking in the evening.
To break away from the morning versus evening conundrum, Kakaiya suggested viewing walks as a continuous activity spread throughout the day. “This approach not only ensures that you burn calories consistently but also helps manage weight more effectively. By increasing your daily step count, you reduce the risk of all-cause mortality, promoting holistic health.
What are some factors that should be taken into consideration before an elderly individual starts walking?
During winter, individuals with high BP must avoid early morning walks. “Elderly people should step out only when the climate is not too chilly. Hence, it is better to start the morning walk after 8 am to benefit from the morning sunlight, and evening walks should happen around 4.00 to 4.30 pm to get the most beneficial dose of vitamin D.
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