THE BENEFITS OF MORNING WORKOUTS

The saying is ‘early bird gets the worm.’ While this may be true for some aspects of our lives, how does it apply to our workout routines?

We’ve compiled some of the best reasons why you should consider training in the morning.

The gym will be less busy than the after-work rush

Most people have the mentality that they will work out when they have time, which tends to be after work and school. Think of it like rush hour – when everyone is trying to get home and into the swing of their evening routine, there will be an influx of people fitting in their evening workout. By scheduling your training session in the morning, you are lowering the likelihood of wait times for equipment, showers, and training, and thus making your workout much more efficient and focused.

You’ll feel great after

Exercise is an instant mood and energy booster. It has both short-term and long-term brain benefits. When you exercise, your body releases chemicals called endorphins, which trigger a positive feeling in the body. Exercise also helps to deliver oxygen and nutrients to your muscles, organs, and other tissue. When you do this in the morning, your energy will be on an upswing, which gives you the momentum you need to tackle any big projects or meetings afterwards.

You’ll have more time in the evening to see family and friends

For many people, having to make the choice between hitting the gym and socializing with friends and family is not an easy one. By starting your routine even an hour earlier in the morning, you are freeing up your entire evening for social activities, errands, relaxing, and preparing for the next day.

You’ll sleep better at night

In a study conducted at Appalachian State University in 2011, participants who exercised moderately for 30 minutes, three times a week at 7 A.M. not only had a better sleep cycle than the participants working out in the afternoon and evening, but also had 25% lower blood pressure than their counterparts.

It may be tough to initially adjust your internal clock, especially if you are not a morning person. However, once you get into a consistent routine, your performance will increase, as will your mood, energy and free time in the evening. See you at the gym!