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Good Morning Exercises: How To and Benefits Of

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Are you a morning person? Have you considered if it’s better to work out in the morning or evening? There are definite benefits to starting your day with a solid workout. Let’s discuss the benefits of morning exercise, how different types of exercise can help you in different ways, and how to motivate yourself to start each day in this manner.

Benefits of a Good Morning Exercise

One of the first benefits of a morning workout is it is an excellent way to establish a routine. Rise! Shine! Be intentional about the start to your day! I have a friend who is part of what we call the Early Morning Club for our running group.  She likes to say she starts running before her body realizes she is awake.

Working out in the morning will help you to have more energy throughout the rest of the day. In addition to the increased energy, it can improve your mood, focus and alertness.

morning exercise
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If you’re trying to lose or maintain weight, a morning workout can improve your metabolism for the rest of the day. It’s like a kick start for your metabolism! Research also shows that for many people, once they have a light snack after a morning workout, they have less appetite throughout the day which can translate into fewer calories consumed. Also, for some people it sets the tone for the rest of the day, leading to better food choices.

From an overall physical health perspective, studies link morning exercise to blood glucose control and lower blood pressure.  These two things can lead to huge improvements to your annual health risk assessment!

Studies also show that people who work out in the morning sleep better than those who work out in the evening.

Tips: How Do I Start?

If you have never been fond of working out in the morning, it may be difficult to start. A key to succeeding in the transition may be easing into it. Perhaps you have always worked out in the afternoon. Try incorporating something different into your morning workouts.

Especially for runners, you may find yourself running plenty but neglecting other areas of overall fitness. If you’re an afternoon or evening runner you could find a few ways to add morning workouts in addition to your running.

Yoga might be a great place to start for adding morning workouts. Or, if you always run after work, try strength training a couple of days each week. This can be a way to ease into adding morning workouts to your weekly regiment.

There are specific things you can do to make it easier for you to get moving in the morning.

✓ Make, or set out, your breakfast the night before! If you have it all set out, it’s easy to grab and go!

✓ Set your workout clothes out! If you have them all ready, it’s easy to just put them on and get moving.

✓ Gradually adjust your time. If you want to work out at 5:00 a.m. but you usually get up at 6:00, add just 15 minutes a week until you’re starting at your ideal time. This transition will seem less painful.

✓ Meet a workout buddy! Or, find a virtual accountability partner.

✓ Plan the workout. Don’t just plan to wake up and figure out what you are going to do. Planning makes it easier to implement. Yoga? Stretching? HIIT? Running? Spin class? Know what the plan is.

✓ Sign up for a morning class at your local gym! If you pay for it, you may be likely to stick with it.

Quick Pre-Workout Meals

While some people workout on an empty stomach, others need just a little something to fuel their body before exercise. Runnerclick has some advice on the 10 Best On The Go Breakfasts!

Overnight oats are a good source of carbs for a quick and easy breakfast. Some people prefer something small and packaged, such as a Kind bar. My personal favorite is the Monk oatmeal pack mentioned in the article linked above. An oatmeal fruit squeeze, it’s just what I need to keep me fueled through my workout!

Especially if you will be crunched for time post-workout, give some thought to your post-workout shakes and snacks. Remember you want to put some type of protein into your body within thirty minutes of completing your workout. Once you finish your workout, the clock starts ticking! Protein gives your body crucial materials to repair and get you physically ready for the day!

coffee and workout
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Also, don’t forget to hydrate properly. It may be tempting to just grab a coffee after your workout as you rush out the door. Don’t forget to grab a bottle of water also!

Hydrate Early

According to Shape Magazine, another tool to starting your day off right is as easy as having water at the ready. Fill a water bottle and place it next to your bed. As soon as the alarm goes off during your morning routine, start drinking.

Drink water while you change into the workout clothes you have laid out, while you eat the small breakfast or snack you have ready, and while you work out.

Drinking water early and often can boost metabolism by as much as 30%!

Mindset Shift

If it sounds simple it’s because it really is. Shift your mindset. Don’t think, “I have to work out at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow.” Tell yourself instead, “I get to work out at 5:00 tomorrow! My body works!”

Shifting your mindset is key to overall success in all aspects of life.

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If you’re committed to becoming someone who loves morning exercise, don’t give up! Remember to start small by trying to wake up just a little earlier and choosing a smaller workout that you are likely to complete and find success in doing.

Plan your breakfast or pre-workout snack, lay out your workout clothes, and decide what your workout will be ahead of time.

Drink water from the moment you get out of bed and continue after your workout. Shift your mindset to one of positivity.  Above all, be kind to yourself.

If you make these simple changes you will be enjoying morning exercise like you never thought possible!

Sources

  1. Daniel Bubnis, 13 Benefits of Working Out in the Morning, Health Magazine
  2. Moira Lawler, 8 Health Benefits of Morning Workouts, Online Magazine
  3. Lauren Mazzo, You're 30 Days Away from Being a Morning Workout Person, Online Magazine

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