I was once a die-hard evening workout person. A 9 to 5 job work schedule coupled with a hectic mornings that began before 7am left me with no choice. Work- eat- exercise- sleep was my daily routine,
As I’ve gotten older I’ve grown to love early mornings and now find that my energy and exercise motivation level is highest before 9am. This is not just a personal preference, however, there are many reasons why getting up and exercising first thing in the morning is a must.
Early morning exercising offers numerous benefits, both to your daily schedule and to your health, that exercising at other times of the day just can’t provide. It just takes a little time and practice to make morning exercise your habit.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of exercising early in the morning.
1. Morning Exercise Boosts Your Metabolism
Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumptions (EPOC) is a buzz word in the fitness industry. Basically it means that your body burns more calories after your workout, even when you’re sitting at a desk or driving your car. So, get up, get moving, pump up your metabolism and then start eating.
2. Encourage Some Regularity
Exercising in the morning ensures that you don’t intervene your exercise routine with other daily chores that can seem more demanding. For example, if you exercise in the evening you run the risk of being late from work, feeling overloaded with errands that must be done, or saddled with other unexpected to-do items.
You may simply feel too tired to exercise by the end of a long day at the other times of the day. But, in the morning there is nothing to distract you. Exercise will be your first thing on your to-do list and it will get done!
3. Boosts Your Physical and Mental Health
Exercising in the morning has been shown to improve focus and mental abilities all day long. Not only you’ll feel awake and have more energy after your workout, but your mind will be ready to take on whatever tasks you have lined up for the day.
4. Exercising in the Develops Strong Self-discipline
Waking up early in the morning to exercise enhances your self-discipline. Just like any habit, developing self-control to get up and exercise in the morning only gets easier with time. This self-control is likely to reflect over into other areas of your life. However, pairing exercising with healthier eating is an amazing combination.
5. Get Better Sleep
Waking up early in the morning to exercise will in turn help you sleep better. Your mind and body both will feel healthy at the end of the day and will be ready to sleep. Say goodbye to the tossing and turning in bed that comes when your body is restless. Morning exercise not only improves the length of your sleep, but also the quality of your sleep while promoting deeper sleep cycles.
6. Love Your Life
Do I even need to argue this one? You have created a strong habit of morning exercise routine, your metabolism is flowing, your body is looking and feeling better now, you are sleeping well at night, and your mind is as sharp as ever. Are you enjoying your new life yet?