Don’t you hate it when you plan to hit a spinning class at the gym or you decide on a killer exercise routine for after work, but then something comes up – you either hit traffic, you feel exhausted, the NHL or NBA game is on, or someone calls you for dinner and drinks.
The best way to prevent this from happening over and over again is to exercise in the morning before your work day and before anything else can ruin your plans.
I know that it sounds impossible because you barely have enough time to get ready for work in the morning, but actually you just have to try it a few times to realize how much better you will feel all day long – increased energy, improved mood, plus you will be burning calories into the afternoon.
A study in the British Journal of Nutrition found that working out before breakfast burns nearly 20% more fat than waiting until after your first meal.
When you exercise on an empty stomach, your body burns more stored fat than carbs to give you the energy you need. It also “jump starts” your metabolism, keeping it elevated for hours, so you will be burning more calories all day long.
Studies have shown that exercise significantly increases mental acuity up to ten hours after your workout. Exercising in the a.m. means you get to harness that brainpower, instead of wasting it while you’re snoozing.
So one day next week, set your alarm clock 30 minutes early. You can go outside and walk or run 15 minutes out and 15 back or you can do a 20-minute circuit with weights and abdominal exercises. Anything to get your blood pumping and your muscles working and to get you closer to your health goals and to that summer bikini body 🙂
And once you feel the benefits, you will be more likely to get into the routine of getting up every morning for some kind of workout.
Here are some other great benefits to early morning activity:
When you exercise at about the same time every morning, your circadian rhythm will become more regulated allowing for better sleep at night.
Morning exercise may help you regulate your appetite better and help you choose healthier options throughout the day. Make sure you eat within 30 minutes of a hard workout in the morning.
You may begin looking forward to this ‘you’ time. Not only will you be taking care of your body, but you will have time to plan the day, meditate or listen to great music while you exercise.
Exercising first thing in the morning is the most foolproof way to ensure that other things don’t get in the way of your commitment. We all have busy lives and it is so easy to wimp out in the evening, when you are tired, need to make dinner or spend time with family members.
So get ready and get motivated to start a morning exercise routine. Just set that alarm at least 30 minutes early, get out of bed and get moving. Your body will love it and will reward you with more energy, a more positive mood (thanks to those endorphins) and a sharper mind for all those decisions you need to make throughout the day.
Not sure what to do? Stay tuned for our Work It Out Wednesdays on Facebook for the perfect exercises or try one of the Fitness Blender routines on youtube.
Kommentit