{"id":91149,"date":"2025-07-25T10:36:11","date_gmt":"2025-07-25T10:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/91149\/"},"modified":"2025-07-25T10:36:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-25T10:36:11","slug":"the-best-time-to-exercise-if-youre-trying-to-lower-your-cholesterol","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/91149\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Time to Exercise If You&#8217;re Trying to Lower Your Cholesterol"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li>Exercise can improve cholesterol levels, no matter when you do it.<\/li>\n<li>Morning, afternoon or evening\u2014consistency matters more than timing.<\/li>\n<li>For long-term health benefits, include both cardio and strength training in your routine.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_2-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Getting lab results back from your doctor can be nerve-wracking\u2014especially if your cholesterol levels come back higher than expected. But it might be the wake-up call you need to make some lifestyle changes, like adding exercise back in your routine, to help bring down those numbers.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_4-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Exercise has been shown to help improve cholesterol by lowering \u201cbad\u201d LDL cholesterol and raising \u201cgood\u201d HDL cholesterol. But if you\u2019re looking to get the most out of your efforts, you might wonder: Is there a best time of day to work out to help lower my cholesterol levels?\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_6-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> We asked a cardiologist, sports dietitian and personal trainer\u2014and the truth is, there isn\u2019t a one-size-fits-all answer. When it comes to the <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/article\/7915267\/best-time-of-day-to-exercise\/\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">best time to exercise<\/a> for lower cholesterol, it depends. Keep reading to find out why.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p>  Is There a Best Time?  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_9-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> There isn\u2019t a clear consensus on whether the morning, afternoon or evening is better for lowering cholesterol.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_11-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cIt depends on individual factors, but there\u2019s emerging evidence that morning exercise may have a slight edge for cholesterol management,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/doctors.hackensackmeridianhealth.org\/provider\/aaron-j-feingold\/1314979\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Aaron Feingold, M.D.<\/a>, a board-certified cardiologist. He explains that the body\u2019s natural circadian rhythm\u2014also known as your 24-hour biological clock\u2014affects fat metabolism, with <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/the-surprising-habit-that-could-be-raising-your-cholesterol-11721583\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">cholesterol production peaking<\/a> at night. By exercising in the morning, you can help interrupt this cycle, leading to improved \u201cgood\u201d HDL cholesterol levels throughout the day.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_13-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> For instance, one study on older adults found that morning exercisers had significantly lower \u201cbad\u201d LDL cholesterol levels than those who exercised in the afternoon. Another study reported that morning workouts were linked with an overall lower risk for coronary artery disease and stroke\u2014two conditions where cholesterol plays a major role.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_15-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> However, afternoon or evening exercise sessions have their own advantages. \u201cResearch suggests exercising in the late afternoon or evening may be more effective than morning exercise for lowering blood cholesterol,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mariespano.com\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Marie Spano, M.S., RD,<strong> <\/strong>CSSD, CSCS<\/a>, a sports dietitian and strength and conditioning specialist. She explains that some studies suggest hormonal fluctuations, enzyme activity and <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/ways-to-reduce-insulin-resistance-for-better-blood-sugar-8750433\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">increased insulin sensitivity<\/a> later in the day may increase fat clearance from the blood after exercise, potentially lowering cholesterol levels.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_17-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> For example, one study found that exercising in the afternoon or evening led to a 25% reduction in insulin resistance\u2014a condition linked to high cholesterol\u2014indicating a potential benefit for blood lipid levels.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_19-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Clearly, exercising at any time of day offers health benefits. Ultimately, experts agree that the best time to exercise is whatever works best for you. \u201cThe most important factor is consistency\u2014the best time is whatever time allows someone to exercise regularly,\u201d says Feingold.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_21-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Spano agrees and adds, \u201cExercise is beneficial regardless of the time of day one chooses to work out. If you\u2019re more likely to exercise if you do it first thing in the morning, then that is the best time for you.\u201d\n<\/p>\n<p>  Benefits of Exercising in the Morning  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_26-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Lacing up your sneakers early in the day may offer several benefits. \u201cWhen you move first thing in the morning, there\u2019s less room for life\u2019s daily obstacles and your own excuses to get in the way,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.amandaskatz.com\/\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"externalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Amanda Katz, CPT<\/a>, a NASM-certified personal trainer and RRCA-certified running coach. She adds that morning workouts encourage you to make healthier choices the rest of the day, such as opting for a cholesterol-lowering breakfast like oats and berries instead of a pastry.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_28-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> \u201cMorning workouts can also improve insulin sensitivity throughout the day, leading to better glucose and lipid handling,\u201d adds Feingold. Improving insulin sensitivity not only helps regulate blood sugar levels but also promotes healthier cholesterol levels.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_30-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Morning exercise also capitalizes on naturally higher testosterone and growth hormone levels, which can enhance fat metabolism and muscle protein synthesis\u2014factors that support better body composition and may help to lower cholesterol levels, explains Feingold.\n<\/p>\n<p>  Benefits of Exercising in the Afternoon (or Evening)  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_33-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> After a long day, exercise can be the perfect stress-reliever. \u201cWorking out in the afternoon or evening can lower stress levels and promote relaxation, both of which contribute to improved sleep quality,\u201d says Katz. Ongoing stress and lack of sleep causes a <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/how-to-know-high-cortisol-levels-11762693\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">sustained increase in levels of cortisol<\/a>\u2014a stress hormone\u2014which can lead to dyslipidemia, an unhealthy imbalance of blood fats. By supporting your sleep and reducing stress levels, this could benefit your cholesterol levels.\n<\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_35-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> Working out in the evening may also improve your performance, leading to health benefits. \u201cCore body temperature is typically higher in the afternoon, which can improve exercise performance and potentially lead to greater caloric expenditure. Perceived exertion is often lower in the afternoon, allowing for more intense workouts that can boost HDL cholesterol more effectively,\u201d says Feingold.\n<\/p>\n<p>  Getting Started  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_38-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> If you\u2019re feeling inspired by all the ways that exercise can help lower your cholesterol, here are some expert-backed tips to get you started.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n<ul id=\"mntl-sc-block_40-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\">\n<li><strong>Break Up Activity into Manageable Chunks. <\/strong>Experts recommend <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/exercise-every-day-study-11707905\" link-destination-recommendation=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week<\/a>, which can be as simple as 30 minutes a day, five days a week. You can do it all at once or break it up into shorter sessions throughout the day.\u00a0<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Be Intentional.<\/strong> Plan your workout ahead of time and be realistic. \u201cCan you commit to two group fitness classes or personal training sessions a week?\u201d says Katz. Putting it on your calendar makes it more likely to happen.\u00a0<\/li>\n<li><strong>Pick Activities You Enjoy. <\/strong>Choose a workout you will stick with and enjoy, says Spano. Whether it\u2019s walking, swimming, dancing or cycling, consistency matters more than the type of activity, especially when you\u2019re first starting out.<strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<li><strong>Do Both Aerobic and Resistance Training. <\/strong>Feingold recommends doing both <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/new-research-shows-how-resistance-training-may-help-reduce-cardiovascular-disease-risk-8547423\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"2\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">aerobic and resistance training<\/a> each week, as each plays a role in overall fitness and healthy cholesterol levels.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Make Yourself Accountable. <\/strong>Hire a personal trainer or work out with a friend, recommends Spano. \u201cYou\u2019re less likely to skip exercise sessions if you paid for it or somebody is counting on you to show up.\u201d<\/li>\n<li><strong>Remember Your \u2018Why.\u2019 <\/strong>Remind yourself why you are starting to exercise. While lowering your cholesterol may be your initial goal, it can also boost energy, build muscle and <a class=\"recommendation-inline-link-ai\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/lifes-essential-8-heart-healthy-actions-to-slow-aging-8391391\" link-destination-recommendation-ai=\"true\" data-component=\"link\" data-source=\"inlineLink\" data-type=\"internalLink\" data-ordinal=\"3\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">support long-term health and longevity<\/a>.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Cholesterol-Lowering Meal Plan To Try<br \/>\n<a id=\"mntl-card-list-items_1-0\" class=\"comp mntl-card-list-items mntl-document-card mntl-card card card--no-image\" data-doc-id=\"8704246\" data-tax-levels=\"\" href=\"https:\/\/www.eatingwell.com\/30-day-low-cholesterol-meal-plan-for-beginners-8704246\" data-ordinal=\"1\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\"><\/p>\n<p>You Just Found Out You Have High Cholesterol\u2014Try This 30-Day Meal Plan, Created by a Dietitian<\/p>\n<p><\/a><\/p>\n<p>  Our Expert Take\u00a0  <\/p>\n<p id=\"mntl-sc-block_45-0\" class=\"comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html\"> The best time to exercise for lowering your cholesterol is one that you can stick to consistently. This can look different from day to day or week to week depending on your schedule. Fortunately, research supports working out in the morning, afternoon and evening, meaning you\u2019ll see benefits regardless of your workout time. If you\u2019re just getting started with exercise, remember that consistency is key for long-term results.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Exercise can improve cholesterol levels, no matter when you do it. Morning, afternoon or evening\u2014consistency matters more than&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":91150,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[38],"tags":[1198,210,67,132,68],"class_list":{"0":"post-91149","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-fitness","8":"tag-fitness","9":"tag-health","10":"tag-united-states","11":"tag-unitedstates","12":"tag-us"},"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@us\/114913436239655570","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91149","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=91149"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/91149\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/91150"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=91149"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=91149"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=91149"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}