Exercising first thing in the morning will put you in a good mood and fills you with energy for the day ahead

 Everyone knows that exercise is good for the health. It prevents illnesses, keeps you slim and lifts the mood. However, if you exercise first thing in the morning, there are even more benefits.

Even if you are full of good intentions to get weekly exercise, all too often, things come up that prevent us from achieving our objectives. Getting your dose of exercise as soon as you get out of bed means that won’t happen as well as encouraging you to get organised and giving you more energy to face the day.

 Benefits of morning exercise

1. You will be more consistent

Exercising as soon as you get up will help you to stick to a fixed, regular timetable.

2. You’ll burn more fat

According to research done at the University of Northumbria, in the United Kingdom, you’ll burn 20% more fat when you exercise on an empty stomach, even though your daily calorie intake may stay the same.

3. Nothing will get in your way

Sometimes, however keen and determined you are to go to the gym, daily life (leaving the office later, meeting up with a friend, having to go shopping, etc.) means you don’t get around to it. However, there won’t be much to stop you getting there at seven o’clock in the morning.

4. A better mood

Physical exercise helps to reduce anxiety, and if you do it in the morning, that calm feeling will stay with you all day long at work. Physical activity will put you in a better mood by releasing endorphins, increasing a feeling of wellbeing and boosting mental activity for the next 10 hours.

5. You’ll have more energy

Exercise immediately activates the body and, although you may feel a little tired in the beginning, it will give you a pleasant, energised feeling.

6. It sets your biological alarm clock

If you exercise at the same time every day your circadian rhythm (sleep and wakefulness) will become regular. Before your alarm clock rings, your body will already be ready for the alarm, making the start of the day less traumatic.

7. You’ll sleep better

Working up a sweat, increasing your heart rate and getting tired will help you to fall asleep more easily. If you exercise regularly and constantly every morning, you’ll sleep better and avoid insomnia. If, on the other hand, you exercise at night, this could be counterproductive because it will make you feel too active.

If you agree that early morning sport but need some extra incentive to get you out of the bed bright and early, lay out your sports gear, clothes, heart monitor and trainers ready before you go to bed and you won’t feel so lethargic when the alarm goes off.

Achieving your goal of getting up early for your own benefit will make you feel good. It’ll help you to start the day on the right foot, with the confidence you need to face any problems that may come your way.

This post is also available in: Spanish