There will always be a lot of controversy over when is the best time to work out.
Some experts will say it is in the mornings, while other experts will tell you it is the afternoon or evenings. Then, there are some that will tell you it is really up to you.
However, a morning workout has significant benefits in terms of energy. Working out in the morning is a popular choice, but there is no denying that it can be difficult to adhere to.
While working out might be difficult, just getting to the workout can be the biggest challenge of all. That’s why it’s best to follow some simple steps to ensure that you make it to your workout each morning.
A great start is to have a workout program that is already designed for you — sign up for an Exercise.com PRO membership today for access to workout plans, certified personal trainers, and more.
Can Working out in the Mornings Improve My Energy Level Throughout the Day?
The first step is to remember to get enough sleep. This could take a little time, especially if you are used to sleeping in, and it may at first cause you to lose a little sleep. However, in a few days, your body will adjust to going to bed earlier and you will find it easier to wake up earlier as well.
Secondly, stay on your schedule and refuse to live by the snooze button. You may miss some sleep every now and then and it may be tempting to sleep a little later, but that can throw your entire schedule off and cause you to miss a workout.
When you feel sluggish or tired, the last thing that you will want to do is get up and workout. However, studies have suggested that that is exactly what you should do.
In a study conducted by the University of Georgia, researchers had 18 volunteers participate in an exercise study. These 18 people had complained of excessive fatigue during certain parts of the day.
Over six weeks, these volunteers did 20 minutes of moderate exercise three times a week in the morning. After the six weeks, there was a 65% drop in complaints about feeling tired during the day.
This study showed that exercise had a significant effect on energy levels throughout the day. Why that happens is not clear. Researchers in the study suggested that it might have something to do with the stimulation of the central nervous system that increases energy and decreases fatigue. Whatever the cause, the bottom line is that it works.
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Can Working out in the Morning Help Me Sleep at Night?
While a good night’s sleep is linked to many different factors, it is a proven fact that just like exercise can improve your energy levels throughout the day, exercise can also improve your sleep at night.
A 16-week study conducted by the University of Stanford involved a group of older adults. These adults engaged in brisk walking and low impact aerobic exercises for 30 to 40 minutes a day, four days a week. The results showed that the people reported improvements in the quality of their sleep, they slept longer, and they also reported that it took less time to fall asleep.
A related yearlong study had post-menopausal women engaging in moderate exercises in the morning. These women reported even less trouble falling asleep than those participants that exercised less.
What these studies illustrate is that exercise can improve the sleep you get the following evening, and, in particular, exercising in the morning can lead to having an easier time going to sleep at night. Once again, there is no clear reason as to why it works that way, only that it does.
What Are the Best Exercises to Do When Working out in the Morning?
Many people subscribe to the point of view that aerobic exercise or a cardio workout plan is the best type of exercise to do in the morning. These exercises include walking, running, biking, swimming, and more. If you are looking to build endurance and stamina then this is the perfect option for exercising.
Others feel that weight training is ideal for the morning. While this is best for losing weight and raising a person’s metabolism, some experts suggest that the morning may not be the optimal time to perform these sorts of exercises. There is a possibility for potential injury because muscles are more rigid in the morning.
The truth is that it really comes down to what works best for you. It may take a little time and a little trial and error to find the best routine, the best time, and the best form of exercise, but rest assured your body will thank you in the end for giving it the workout it so desperately needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many days a week should I exercise?
Three to five workouts a week is recommended for best results.
How do I create my own workout plan?
You can either sign up for an Exercise.com PRO membership or enlist the help of a personal trainer!
What should I do on my rest days?
Sleep, hydrate, eat well, foam roll, and engage in enjoyable movement.
For workout plans that will make your morning workout routine easier to follow, go PRO today.