When It Comes To Exercise, Timing Matters

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The timing and consistency of physical activity we get affects our fitness benefits. Researchers at the University of Florida Health found that older adults with earlier and more consistent daily activity patterns had better cardiorespiratory fitness and walking efficiency — two key markers of healthy aging.

The study involved about 800 older adults who wore wrist monitors for a week to track movement. Those with higher-amplitude activity and rest cycles (more movement during the day and better rest at night), earlier peak activity times, and more consistent daily schedules showed better overall heart and lung health.

Importantly, the activities tracked included everyday movements like walking, gardening, or shopping—not just formal exercise. These findings suggest that the body’s internal clock, or circadian rhythm, plays a key role in physical function and health.