Some people argue that we all have the same 24 hours in a day as Beyoncé, and that it shouldn’t be too hard to fit in some exercise.
But honestly, life can be hectic. If you don’t have a routine down yet, finding time to work out can be a challenge on its own. This is why morning workouts can be your secret weapon!
What are the benefits of morning exercise?
Are you looking for a way to optimize your workout time? Or do you want to accomplish your fitness goals in the most efficient way? You’re in the right place…
Here are four reasons to start working out in the morning, followed by some tips for getting into it if you’re not a morning person!
1. You’ll have more energy during the day
Exercise is a great energizer! It improves your cardiovascular system, increases stamina, and thus helps you feel fitter.
When you work out first thing in the morning, you’ll feel more alert and powerful throughout the rest of your day.
2. Boost your mood with a morning workout
Working out is a great remedy for stress and helps your brain to make endorphins, aka ‘the feel good hormone’!
If you get your body moving in the morning, you’ll start your day on a positive note, and can then enjoy those feel-good hormones all day long.
3. Better focus and improved discipline
Morning workouts help you to stay focused during the day. Exercise helps to improve your concentration, helps you to stay focused, and improves your decision-making skills—all of which can be helpful during busy, stressful days.
Being able to stick to your morning workout routine can also enhance your discipline, which is helpful in other areas of your life!
4. Exercise in the morning, sleep better at night
Studies show that working out first thing in the morning is a great way to improve your sleep quality.
The data shows that people who exercise in the morning fall asleep faster, spend more time in a deep sleep state, and don’t wake up as much as people who exercise in the afternoon or evening.
How to prepare for a morning workout
Do you dread mornings? Let alone the thought of working out before getting ready for the day? Here are helpful tips to get that session in—even if you’d rather snooze your alarm!
You’ll want to:
- Get enough sleep
- Ease into your new routine
- Move your alarm clock – literally to the other side of the room!
Get enough sleep
If you’re looking to incorporate your workout into your morning routine, you’ll likely have to get up earlier. Don’t forget to also go to bed earlier, so you can still start your day rested and energized.
If the idea of waking up early to exercise doesn’t appeal to you, then work towards this in small increments. Start by getting up 20 minutes earlier than you usually would and doing just ten minutes of exercise. You can then slowly increase the time as you get used to it.
Ease into your new routine
Take it easy and give yourself some time to get used to your new routine. Start with a few minutes of gentle exercise every other day and gradually work up to more intense workouts—if that’s your goal!
Move your alarm
Put your alarm on the other side of the room. That way, you have no choice but to get up and get moving!
Do I need to eat before working out in the morning?
If you don’t have any experience with working out in the morning, then you might want to try to experiment with breakfast times.
Some argue it’s best to exercise on an empty stomach (more on this below) whereas others recommend eating a light breakfast or fueling up with coffee or a Huel shake. Find what works for you and see what fits into your morning schedule.
It’s always a great idea to meal prep the night before so you’ll have your breakfast ready for you in the morning—to enjoy either before or after you exercise.
Benefits of working out in the morning
If you’re looking to improve your fitness levels, consider working out in the morning. It’s a great mood booster and you can enjoy that sense of accomplishment throughout the rest of the day. As I already mentioned, exercising first thing in the morning can seriously help you to sleep better at night.
Prioritizing your workouts and getting them done first thing in the morning can truly be a great way to improve your overall fitness!
Should I exercise in the morning to lose weight?
Exercising to lose weight is a common fitness goal and one that should always be worked towards in a sustainable and sensible way.
If you are exercising to lose weight, then the mornings could be a great choice for you.
First of all, this is because it can help you start your day with a healthy and positive attitude. When you put your body through its paces in the morning, you’ll likely be encouraged to make more healthy choices during the rest of your day. This idea is supported by this 2018 study.
Secondly, a separate study conducted in 2015 found that people are likely to burn more fat throughout the rest of the day if they exercise before breakfast.
What is a good morning exercise routine?
There are countless options for a good exercise routine first thing in the morning. This will naturally vary depending on what kind of exercise you prefer and what your physical capabilities are.
Starting the day with a 20 to 30-minute cardio workout is a great choice for many people, and can really get your energy levels up for the day ahead. However, you can definitely still enjoy a shorter workout for similar benefits.
If you find that you need some guidance to keep you on track, then choosing a YouTube workout can be a serious help. Being able to follow along with someone else can motivate you to complete the session and eradicate the need to prepare your own regime.
The following YouTube channels are full of fantastic videos to choose from:
If you prefer to do a weights-based workout in the morning, then there are many benefits to that, too. You’ll strengthen your muscles and get your whole body warmed up for the day ahead. You’ll also start the morning feeling strong!
If you’re looking for a custom weights-based workout for the morning, then check out my workout plan page and get in touch.
If you’ve got any tips or thoughts about exercising in the morning, then be sure to drop a comment below!
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