Women burned more body fat during morning exercise whereas evenings counted more for men.
Early morning exercise could benefit women who want to reduce body fat and blood pressure
The study of 30 men and 26 women - all active and healthy, and between 25 and 55 years old - lasted 12 weeks and monitored the effects of a varied fitness programme, which included stretching, sprint, resistance and endurance training. All those who took part in the study improved their overall health and performance over the 12-week trial, no matter when they exercised.
This is important because belly - or abdominal - fat wraps around the body's internal organs, including the liver, and can be dangerous. But evening exercise was found to be "ideal for men interested in improving heart and metabolic health, as well as emotional wellbeing," says Dr Arcerio.