Exercising in the morning isn’t the easiest thing to do. It requires a lot of dedication that most of us don’t have first thing in the morning.
But, morning exercises actually have a lot of benefits — both for your mental health and your physical health.
When you workout in the morning, you’re establishing a happy, healthy new habit. You’re investing in your own health and wellness to ensure your body is happy and so are you.
It can be hard to get started. I know it was hard for me. But, the weeks where I’m able to stick to this plan and get to the gym — or at least in front of an online workout video — first thing in the morning are some of the best weeks I have.
I’m full of energy. I’m full of power. And, I’m ready to take on anything and everything the week throws at me.
Engaging in some good morning exercise is something everyone should try at least once. You can’t knock it until you try it, right? Plus morning workouts give you more time throughout the day to get lost in your work and your daily life.
Plus, everyone deserves at least 30 minutes of self-care “me” time, and that’s something morning exercise provides.
Once you get into the routine of morning workout sessions, you’ll be surprised you didn’t start sooner.
1. You Get it Out of the Way
This one’s easy. When you workout first thing in the morning, you don’t give yourself the chance to skip it later on.
Things come up, life gets crazy. When you wait until the end of the day to workout, there are a number of things that can get in the way of your workout goals.
But, when you set that alarm and push yourself to the gym, there’s nothing else stopping you.
Except for maybe residual sleepiness, of course.
But, this will pass. And, before you know it, you’ll be dripping with sweat and ready to take on the day ahead.
2. You Burn More Calories Throughout The Day
When you fit in a good morning workout, you set yourself up for major calorie burn throughout the day. That’s because high-intensity workouts encourage your body to burn more calories as the day continues.
One study found that participants that worked out burned an addition 190 calories in the following 14 hours after they worked out.
That means that a nice morning sweat session can help you burn more calories, beat the bloat and slim your figure without any additional effort from you.
When you make it to the gym in the morning, you’re putting yourself on the path to weight loss success.
Who doesn’t want to burn calories while sitting at your desk at work?
3. Morning Workouts Give Your Brain a Boost
Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function, waking you up more quickly and more effectively than even a cup of coffee can.
This improved cognitive function makes it easier to perform to the best of your abilities at work. It gives you the mental focus to problem solve and tackle stressful situations.
And, you need this boost first thing in the morning more than you need it at any other point of the day.
Early morning exercise isn’t just a great habit to get into for your fitness goals, but it can also help you reduce your caffeine consumption too!
I love my coffee, believe me. But, when I workout in the morning, I find that I’m able to skip that morning cup with ease. Making a cup or buying something at Starbucks doesn’t even cross my mind!
4. Exercising in the Morning Improves Sleep Quality
A good morning workout can also help you sleep better. And, who doesn’t want that?
One study in particular tracked participants working out at different points throughout the day. But, the participants that got up early and hit the gym got better quality sleep after all.
This exercise gives your mind and body an energy boost first thing in the morning that drives you all throughout the day.
But, by the time you’re ready for bed, so is the rest of your body.
Morning workouts regulate the body’s own internal cycles. This makes it easier for you to get to sleep and it ensures you have a more restful, complete slumber overall.
5. Exercise Makes You Happier
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins that improve overall happiness.
This is great news! Especially if you have a rough day ahead. You want to make sure your body is flooded with all of those happy hormones to keep you pushing forward.
And, these happy hormones can do you more favors if they start entering your body earlier in the day.
It’s good to be happy all the time — duh. But, a release of these endorphins at night isn’t going to do you any favors unless you’re looking for dreams about rainbows, kittens and job promotions.
