The thought of waking up earlier than planned to workout can be daunting, but what if we told you that sweat sesh before work could actually jumpstart your entire day and make you more productive? Well, it’s true! Here are 5 reasons to get you started.
You will face fewer distractions, which leads to healthier choices.
When it comes to fitness, an early morning workout is the easiest to be consistent with. After just waking up, you are less distracted by everything that is happening during work hours. Fewer distractions, even mentally, can help you achieve a better workout. A morning workout even has the potential for a healthier focused day. In a 15-week exercise program done by the International Journal of Obesity, it has been proven that by sticking to a scheduled workout plan in the morning, you are more likely to naturally make healthier food choices throughout the day. You are also more likely to blend up that fresh smoothie then what perhaps was your go-to breakfast sandwich on your way to work! Now isn’t that refreshing? Your body will thank you for getting your workout done earlier and making healthier choices throughout the day!
You will become more focused and alert throughout your day.
According to a 2012 study by the Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, exercising in the morning is actually better for your hormones, especially cortisol (stress hormone), which allows you to stay awake and alert. Cortisol typically increases in the mornings, so it is very important to jump start the process and help to keep yourself focused. Also, when you are able to maintain a healthy circadian rhythm (the 24-hour cycle of rhythms) your body is more likely to adjust to exercising in the morning which is a huge benefit to your health and your day.
It will assist your weight-loss journey.
Even if you are unsure of your overall fitness goals, working out in the morning has been proven to help the most in aiding weight loss efforts. Unlike a later workout, your body will continue to burn more calories throughout the day and can promote better habits. If you can commit to a regular AM exercise routine, you will continue to boost your energy and reduce fatigue daily. Working out allows oxygen and all types of nutrients to travel to your beating heart and lungs which helps to improve your overall endurance, stamina, and cardiovascular system over time.
Say Goodbye to Stress.
Life gets stressful too often, and that is why people love physical activity! Moving your body is a natural stress reducer. When you are breaking a sweat your brain produces more endorphins, the “feel good” neurotransmitters, and plays itself as a natural distraction to anxiety and overwhelming thoughts. If you work out in the morning it will give you an accomplishment that will help start your day on the right foot.
Your sleep performance will improve.
Although you are losing some overall sleep by waking up earlier, we can assure you that a morning workout will be the perfect way to get a good night’s rest. Working out in the allows the body to pattern into a deeper sleep and result in less nighttime disruption. Deep sleep is an essential stage in feeling energized the next morning. There are many benefits to deep sleep such as energy restoration, strengthening your immune system and even promoting growth and repair of your tissues and bones. A study conducted in 2018 by Vascular Health and Risk Management was able to model how adults ended up getting better sleep on the days that they woke up around 7 a.m.
Working out is one of the best natural medicines of life! By making a small adjustment to your morning schedule, your entire lifestyle habits could change for the better. Start slow, and give it a try soon! Remember, it takes time to adjust so it should not feel easy at first. Before you know it you will be excited for your alarm to ring and kickstart your day!