Working out is very beneficial for both your physical and mental health. Even if you don’t go to the gym, but just workout at home, you’ll see that it’s really rewarding. However, exercise can be hard to fit into a busy schedule, as most people tend to not wake up early enough to go to the gym before work. But the benefits of working out in the morning far outweigh that extra hour or two of sleep you can get by going at night.
There is a common misconception that morning workouts are bad for your health. In reality, exercising first thing in the morning can lead to all sorts of benefits including:
- better sleep
- improved metabolism and weight management
- increased focus and productivity at work
- better mental and physical performance
The best part is that you don’t even need to exercise for more than 10 minutes! All it takes is just 5-10 minutes of light cardio before breakfast on an empty stomach. The key is to not eat anything after 8 pm or within two hours of bedtime because this will simply slow down your metabolism and make it harder for you to lose weight. Otherwise, you can do whatever activity you want–just make sure it’s not too intense–and that you fit it in before work.
12 Benefits of Working Out in the Morning
- Increased fat burning
Since exercising in the morning allows you to work out on an empty stomach, your body is able to burn fat more efficiently. This also reduces food cravings throughout the day and makes it easier for you to stick with a low-calorie diet.
- More active during the day
People who have a high energy level in the morning tend to be more active during the day. Since exercising in the morning can keep you energized throughout the rest of the day, it’s easier for you to get things done and stay productive.
- Keep blood sugar under control
When you don’t exercise in the morning, your blood sugar levels can spike after eating breakfast. This is because insulin isn’t released until an hour after eating, causing your body to send nutrients into fat cells rather than muscles. But when you exercise on an empty stomach, your insulin levels are lower so your body is able to utilize all the nutrients it gets from food.
- Improves sleeping habits
Since you won’t exercise at night, it also means that you’ll be able to go to bed earlier. This goes back to the fact that your morning workout helps keep your blood sugar levels low throughout the day so it’s easier for you to fall and stay asleep.
- Lower your blood pressure
High-intensity interval training done in the morning can reduce your resting blood pressure by 10%. This type of exercise is only recommended for people at risk of hypertension though, so talk to your doctor if you think this might apply to you.
- Greater sense of wellbeing
Exercising in the morning can boost your serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in regulating appetite, sleep, memory, and mood. When you have a lack of serotonin, it leads to depression and anxiety, among other mental disorders. People with low levels of serotonin also tend to eat more because they crave carbohydrates.
- Improved self-esteem
Working out in the morning can make you feel more confident and even improve your love life. According to Dr. Frank Lipman, people who exercise regularly tend to feel better about themselves, have a lower body mass index and a higher level of sexual activity. Since they’re happier, it’s easier for them to attract the right person.
- Increased tolerance for stress
When you work out in the morning, it releases endorphins in your body which can make you feel less stressed out during the day. It also gives you the energy to deal with difficult situations. This is why people who work out regularly are able to handle more work and have an easier time getting things done.
- Promotes mental health
Getting your body moving in the morning, especially when you’re outside, can improve your mood and make you feel like everything will be okay. Going for a run or doing yoga helps to get rid of stress which can also help improve your sleep quality at night. This positive mindset can also help you get through the day more effectively.
- Decreased risk of obesity
People who work out in the morning tend to have a lower body mass index (BMI) than people who don’t exercise at all. This is because working out on an empty stomach can increase your metabolic rate by up to 24% for several hours.
- Builds muscle faster
Working out in the morning can help you build more muscle because your body recovers far quicker when you workout in the morning due to hormone levels and the fact that you’re able to fuel your body with nutrients throughout the day rather than simply going to bed. This means that it’s easier for you to gain more mass and strength quickly, which is why many fitness models do their heavy lifting first thing in the morning.
- Fewer distractions resulting in better workouts
You’ll be less tempted to skip your workout when you do it first thing in the morning. This is because everyone else is still asleep so you won’t have anyone around you who can distract you from your goals. By having fewer distractions, it makes it easier for you to follow through with your workouts and get more done throughout the day.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, there are many benefits to working out in the morning. By doing this, you can achieve better results with your fitness goals, improve your sleeping habits, lower your blood pressure and even boost your own self-esteem. If you’re not too tired after waking up early for your workout, you might also want to take a shower right after because it’ll make you feel even more refreshed.
Tags: morning, morning workouts
