Don't feel like exercising? Maybe it's the wrong time of day for you

Timing affects workouts

It has been reported that a new study finds the time of day you exercise can change how hard it feels and how well you perform. Researchers looked at people with different sleep–wake preferences — the early birds and the night owls — and, allegedly, found that each group tended to do better and feel better when they trained at times that matched their internal clocks. In plain English: your body clock might be sabotaging your gym plans, not your motivation.

Why your body clock matters

Circadian rhythms control plenty — body temperature, hormone levels, alertness — and those rhythms also shape physical performance and perceived effort, the researchers say. That helps explain why that lunchtime jog felt like a slog while your friend breezed through an evening spin class. This is more than a convenient excuse; it's biology. Wearables, biohacking trends and a wider focus on personalized health have all been pointing toward the same idea: timing matters nearly as much as the workout itself.

What you can do about it

So what now? Try this: experiment. If morning workouts make you miserable, don't force a habit destined to fail. If evening sessions work, embrace them. Employers and gyms could also take note — flexible schedules and extended opening hours might actually boost public health. The key emotional beat here is relief: you can stop blaming your willpower. Blame your chronotype instead — and then choose the clock that works for you.

Sources: bbc.com, Hacker News