Morning workouts boost your mood, aid in sleep, help you make healthier choices throughout the day, and focus on prioritizing self-care.
 |
| Exercising in the morning will help form good habits. (Source: The New York Times) |
Helps avoid distractions
Noel Miller, a trainer at Row House, stresses the benefits of a morning workout: "Exercising in the morning before you make a phone call, start a meeting, answer an email, greet your family or start tackling things on your to-do list means you'll start your workout before anything can come up that could disrupt the process."
Boost your mood, set a positive tone for your day
Exercise is an effective way to improve your mood naturally, so working out in the morning can help set you up for the day.
“Exercise causes the brain to release endorphins, which can create a ‘runner’s high,’ a great feeling of joy or pleasure. It can also help you feel relaxed and calm,” says Miller.
“Not everyone experiences this euphoric feeling, but for those who exercise early in the morning, it's a great way to start the day.”
Support better sleep
“Morning workouts help you get in tune with your body’s circadian rhythm,” explains Juanita Franke, lead instructor and trainer at Pilates Club Charlottesville in Virginia. Cortisol, the main stress hormone, can peak in the morning and gradually decrease throughout the day as your body prepares for sleep.
By exercising in the morning, you can take advantage of this and be active when cortisol is at its highest rather than in the evening, when cortisol levels drop in preparation for sleep."
Aligning your workout with your body's natural circadian rhythm will help you feel more alert and productive during the day, while promoting better sleep at night.
Helps form better habits
“Morning workouts provide structure and consistency to routines because they are less likely to be disrupted by unexpected events or work-related issues that may arise later in the day,” Franke explains.
Consistency is key to forming any habit, and morning exercise helps establish a regular routine that can make exercise a natural part of your daily routine."
Facilitate healthier choices
Starting your day with a strong workout will leave you energized and in the right mindset to make healthy choices throughout the rest of the day.
People who exercise regularly often find themselves making healthier food choices and adopting other positive lifestyle habits, says Franke.
In a study conducted in 2018, it was found that participants who engaged in physical activity before meals tended to choose more nutritious foods.
While the exact reasons behind this behavior are unclear, exercising in the morning may inspire healthier choices throughout the rest of the day."
Helps focus more on self-care
It’s easy to put self-care on the back burner when you have a busy schedule. But by starting your day with an energizing morning workout, you’re putting your health and fitness first.
“Starting your day with exercise sends a message to you and others that taking care of yourself is a top priority.
And when you take care of yourself, you'll be better equipped to take care of other things and other people in your life," Miller says.
Source
Comment (0)