Is There a Best Time to Walk?

There’s no one universal best time to walk. However, there are some benefits of walking at specific time windows depending on your personal health goals.

For instance, if your goal is to support your long-term cardiovascular health, walking will benefit you no matter what time of day you stroll. But if you’re aiming to regulate your circadian rhythm and improve your sleep, you may reap greater rewards if you walk in the morning. (Stay tuned, as we’ll cover the benefits of walking during various time windows in detail below.)

That said, getting your steps in is almost always a good idea, regardless of what the clock says. “No matter what time of day you choose to walk, there are numerous mind-body benefits, and any amount of movement is better than none,” says clinical psychologist, registered dietitian, and fitness expert Supatra Tovar, PsyD, RD.

Generally, there are an impressive number of benefits to walking, including:

Some benefits of walking are also more specific to the timing of other events, such as when you eat. “If improving digestion is the goal, walking after meals is ideal,” Tovar says. “A light post-meal walk can aid digestion, help with nutrient absorption, and reduce bloating and discomfort.”