There has been a debate over the years as to what time of the day is best for working out. However, it is important to note that people have different preferences and time availability for working out. With that in mind, if you are on the fence about starting a morning workout routine, this article aims at informing you of the benefits.
Less Distraction
Early mornings are not characterized by phone calls, texts, or even emails, hence providing the best conditions for working out. In the morning, you can best follow through with working out as you are less prone to distractions.
Less Heat
We all know how uncomfortable it is working out in the heat of the sun; however, early mornings are less characterized by this heat. It is easier to work out at such a time since you can get more put in at this time instead of the sun’s exhausting effect in the hot afternoons of summer; this is especially important for outdoor workouts.
Inspires Healthier Eating Habits
While working out regularly, you are more likely to make healthier eating choices for yourself and those around you. An early morning workout can help parents pack up healthier lunch food for their children as they head to school.
Increased Alertness
An early morning workout could be highly influential in matching the hormonal fluctuations of the body. The release of cortisol(a hormone that keeps you awake and alerts) in excess or insufficiently could lead to problems. Cortisol is released in the early morning, with its peak at around 8 a.m; a morning workout could work well in matching this hormonal production.
Increased Energy
Regularly working out is crucial in energy production and fatigue reduction. The more you work out, the more oxygen and nutrients travel to the lungs, improving the cardiovascular system, endurance, and overall body stamina. Regular morning exercise will leave you more energized throughout your day, week, month, and year.
Improved Focus
Exercise has been related to better concentration regardless of when it is performed, making morning exercise an easy solution for those who find it difficult to concentrate during the day. The benefits of morning exercise directly work in improving visual learning, attention, and decision making.
Research has shown that on days where individuals have engaged in morning exercise, they had better cognition throughout the day, especially where regular breaks are included in the work schedule.
Better Mood
Physical activity acts as a natural stress remedy as endorphins(feel-good neurotransmitters) are released while working out, a phenomenon commonly known as a “runner’s high.” Starting the day with a morning workout also brings feelings of accomplishment, giving an optimistic outlook for the day.
Support Weight Loss
Early morning workouts provide the best chance for weight loss. Research has proved that fat burning is highly prevalent for people who work out in the morning before breakfast instead of those that work out in the afternoon and the evening. So the morning workout is a form of weight loss cheat for you.
Appetite Control
Exercise helps in regulating your appetite by reducing the hunger hormone(ghrelin) and increasing satiety hormones. According to a study published in 2012 in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, working out in the morning increases the appetite control effect. The study highlighted that the subjects who did not exercise in the morning had a stronger response to food pictures than those who proved that exercise improves how the brain responds to food cues. This can be helpful when trying to maintain a diet.
An Increase in Overall Daily Activity
Studies show that working out in the morning increases physical activity during the day, providing a solution for those trying to live more active lives.
Glucose Control
Exercise plays a crucial role in managing type 1 diabetes; however, it can be difficult for individuals with the condition to exercise due to the risk of getting low blood glucose. Morning exercise reduces the risk compared to afternoon exercise; scientists think that since cortisol is released in the morning, it helps control blood sugar. Lower cortisol levels in later parts of the day could make it easier to develop low blood glucose(hypoglycemia).
Blood Pressure Management
Physical activity is essential in controlling hypertension, with morning workouts increasing the control over blood pressure. According to researchers, the most favorable blood pressure changes happen at 7 a.m for individuals who perform regular workouts.
Improved Sleep
Getting an early workout increases the chances of falling into a deep sleep and experiencing fewer night awakenings. Morning workouts also help improve the time it takes to fall asleep. Outdoor workouts in the morning also help increase melatonin levels at night.
Bonus Tips
● Dieting
Working out before breakfast has its benefits, but you must stabilize your sugar levels before performing the workouts to increase the chances of powering through workouts. Light meals consisting of carbs and protein should assist in this process.
● Morning vs. Evening
Due to our daily lives’ tiring nature, working out in the morning is the better option; however, evening workouts provide some benefits such as increased strength and endurance, more workout partners, and stress relief(unwinding).
● Children
Help children around you develop healthier workout habits to ensure they are more active throughout the day and are less prone to illness. As for dieting, you should introduce them to all the nutrients they need as early as possible. To help you out in their food portioning and storage, it is advisable that you buy baby food pouches in bulk to keep their meals organized and save on per item costs while at it.
Conclusion
Through exercising proper patience and discipline, a morning workout routine can prove beneficial to you over the years. Discipline, determination, and proper preparation will play a key role in keeping you disciplined for the workouts. Good luck!
