Resistance Exercise Timing Effects on Blood Pressure

Research shows that resistance exercise can lower blood pressure, yet little is known regarding the best time for resistance exercise for the greatest blood pressure benefit; therefore, the purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of resistance exercise timing on blood pressure. We hypothesized improved blood pressure after 7 a.m. resistance exercise. Twenty five healthy, young adults completed the study. VO2max, 10-RM, and control blood pressures were measured before the study. Subjects completed randomized visits at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m., where they performed 9 machine weight resistance exercises at 65% of their 10-RM for 3 sets of 10 repetitions for 30 minutes per visit. Blood pressure was recorded using an Oscar2 Ambulatory Blood pressure monitor after VO2max testing and after each resistance exercise visit. Blood pressure was unchanged between resistance exercise sessions. Overall, resistance exercise was not harmful to BP; however, nocturnal systolic blood pressure was elevated after 7a.m. resistance exercise in both sexes, but more for men. Nocturnal systolic blood pressure was lower in women after 1p.m. resistance exercise than 7p.m. Resistance exercise at 7 a.m. may increase BP, especially in men, yet resistance exercise at 1p.m. improved BP more than other exercise times.