Tanya Maniktala says Kill co-actor Lakshya works out even at 2 am; we find out if it is advisable to exercise at odd hours

Working out has many health-related benefits, including favourable effects on body weight, body fat, blood pressure, lipid levels, and blood glucose. Consultant neurologist Dr Sudhir Kumar, Apollo Hospitals Hyderabad, said the ideal timing depends on the person’s schedule. “The usual timings for workouts are mornings, afternoons, and evenings, as most people sleep between 10 pm and 6 am. If a person’s work starts early and finishes early, evenings are the preferred time for workouts. However, if a person needs to log into the office at 11 am, mornings may be the preferred time for workouts. If a person has a 3-4 hour break during the afternoon, he/she may choose afternoons for their workouts,” said Dr Kumar.

Is it fine?

Dr Kumar contended that if a person’s schedule is such that he/she gets time only at 2 or 4 am to work out, then it is fine.

“If the working hours are from 4 to 5 pm until 1 or 2 am, then working out at 2-4 am is ideal. However, the key is to ensure eight hours of sleep and optimum time for recovery. If the person works out between 4 and 5 a m, they should be sure to sleep for about 8 hours — until 1 to 2 pm,” said Dr Kumar.

However, he highlighted that the said workout timing may not hold well for most who work during conventional hours. “One study found that people who exercise at the same time every day spend more time working out per week than people who train at different times. Ultimately, it seems that consistency is key, rather than a specific workout window,” said Dr Kumar.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.