with two kids in the mix, i know myself enough to know that i will need to get my workouts in in the morning, or they’ll never get done. prior to having cole, i always got up around 5am to get my morning walking/other workout in, and that’s going to be my plan once i’m cleared to work out again [never thought i’d say this, but i cannot wait!] there are a couple of reasons why i believe in the power of an am working — not only am i getting it out of the way and setting a productive tone for my day, but i trust that it sets me up for other little successes throughout the day. don’t take my word for it, though! there are a number of reasons and experts that say a morning workout is beneficial, both physically and mentally. read on to find out why:
you set yourself up for success: if you aren’t the kind of person who uses a workout as a way to cap off your day, and it’s something you really, TRULY look forward to [hey, me!], then moving it to the start of your day eliminates the time and distractions you can come up with to de-prioritize your workout. if it’s part of your morning routine, you set yourself up to be successful and execute it before you have time to talk yourself out of it.
it wakes you up: for real – it sounds counter-intuitive, because you are expending energy, but there’s something about getting your move in in the am that kick starts all of your systems. your brain fires a little quicker, and you feel a little more alive once you are about five minutes in. don’t believe me? try it for two days in a row, and i promise you will notice a difference, to the point where, dare i say, maybe you don’t need AS much coffee? [bold statement, i’m aware]
fasted workouts are beneficial for hormones: now, i am 100% NOT looking to give medical advice here, and i know the jury isn’t 100% decided on this one, but enough studies, enough experts, and my own anecdotal evidence over the course of YEARS has convinced me of this. i feel like i get better results from fasted workouts [plus working out on a full stomach makes me feel sluggish], and to be honest, it saves me time not eating before i hit the treadmill in my tight morning schedule. there are caveats to all of this — read more here.
you have the potential to sleep better: if you’re working out at night, you’re telling your body that it needs to stay awake, alert, and active as opposed to the normal winding-down cycle it wants to begin.
to be honest, scheduling my workouts in the mornings has turned me into an early riser, and i’m the better for it. is it something i actually enjoy in the moment? not especially – but i know when i’m done, i’m going to feel so good and so accomplished. not to mention i ‘get the itch’ when i go a couple days without working out .. i know i’m just off. i am totally about making sure that i prioritize my exercise, and that means working out in the morning. what about you? early riser or stay up late and grind? i’m curious to find out when you guys plan your workouts!
thanks for reading!
Having done both for yeaRs (around a busy life too!) im a hearty believer in morning workouts too. Sleeping in motovationally colored workout gear and convincing myself that leaving the house without working out is equivqlent to leaving witHout brushing my teeth helps too!! A workout missed leaves me off for the entire day. Great blog!