WHY YOU SHOULD EXERCISE IN THE MORNING

This morning I got up bright and early and dragged myself to a 6am class at the gym before work… and I felt amazing! Sure, I wasn’t overly excited about getting out of bed early, but once I was there I felt really good. I started my day with tonnes of energy and a great mood! Usually I try to get some exercise in the afternoons, but I think I’ve been converted to a morning exercise person. So I’ve decided to put together 10 reasons why you should work out in the morning too!

• You’re less likely to skip it for other obligations. I don’t know about you, but my friends don’t tend to invite me out at 6am… ever. So your workout won’t be taking a back seat. Plus, you won’t have chores like making dinner getting in the way of your workout!

• You’ll set a happy and healthy tone for the day. The endorphins you get from your workout boost your energy and mood. Plus you’re less likely to eat junk food if you’re in a healthy state of mind. For many people it regulates their appetite for the day. You’ll usually want to refuel with good food!

• You’ll feel less stressed at work. Studies show that people who exercise regularly feel more empowered and better about their work-life balance.

• You’ll have nothing to dread the rest of the day. You won’t go home thinking oh boy, I have to work out as well as a million other things!

• You’ll have a better hair day. Yes, that’s right! Instead of having bed hair, you’ll have clean, just styled hair at the start of your day!!

• You’ll give your metabolism a boost.  Exercising in the morning jump starts your metabolism, so you burn more calories throughout the day.

• You’ll have more time to socialise. As I said in the first point, your friends aren’t likely to invite you for a catch up at 6am. If you get it out of the way in the morning, you’ll have time to go out for a few drinks with everyone after work! And before you ask, no, it’s not a good idea to work out after you’ve had a few wines.

• You’ll be able to focus better. Research has shown that exercise increases mental acuity. On average it lasts four to ten hours after exercise! To think of all that brain power you’ve wasted working out after work! Plus, most people aren’t awake, so you’ll be able to focus more on the actual exercise without all the notifications from messages, tweets, Facebook updates, Snapchats… The list goes on.

• Less crowded. Usually the gym isn’t as crowded early in the morning, so you won’t have to fight some lady for the treadmill today.

• It’s easier to wake up. If you wake up and exercise at the same time every morning, your body gets used to the routine. Your endocrine system and circadian rhythms adjust to the regular waking up and exercising times. Your metabolism and hormones involved in exercise begin to elevate while you’re sleeping, so when you wake up you’ll feel more energized and alert.

So, are you convinced to work out in the mornings yet? I know you’re probably thinking that there is nothing worse than waking up before 6am to exercise, but honestly try it out for yourself before you knock it!

Check out these articles for further reading on morning exercise:

https://www.fitandme.com/benefits-of-working-out-in-the-morning/ 

http://www.womenshealthmag.com/fitness/morning-exercise/

http://www.boxingscene.com/exercise/1312.php

Written by Monique Sparks