8 Benefits of Morning Exercise

Struggling to be a morning person but eager to get fit? Early morning workouts can be a great way to kickstart your day and improve your overall health. While it may be tempting to hit the snooze button, the benefits of morning exercise are well worth the effort. In this post, we'll explore some simple exercises you can do at home to wake up your muscles and energise your mind.

What are the Benefits of Morning Exercise?

1. Helps You in Weight Loss

   Exercising early in the morning, especially before breakfast, can help you burn fat and calories more quickly. This can jumpstart your weight loss journey and contribute to better overall health.

2. Makes You Feel Energised and Focused

   Starting your day with a workout can help you stay active and alert throughout the day. You'll feel more energised, focused, and ready to take on whatever comes your way. Additionally, morning exercise can help you break free from a sedentary lifestyle and adopt a healthier routine.

3. Helps in Getting Better Sleep

   Exercise and sleep are closely connected. Doing some morning exercises can boost your metabolism, help balance your hormones, and lead to a more restful night's sleep. By getting a good night’s sleep, you’re setting yourself up for a more productive day and a brighter future.

4. Keep Blood Sugar Under Control

   Regular physical activity is important for managing type 1 diabetes (T1DM), but it can be challenging. Exercise can sometimes cause hypoglycaemia, which is when blood sugar levels drop too low. A 2015 study published in the Journal of Diabetes Science and Technology found that exercising in the morning can reduce this risk. The study involved 35 people with T1DM who exercised on a treadmill both in the morning and afternoon. The results showed that morning exercise led to fewer episodes of low blood sugar compared to exercising in the afternoon.

5. Lower Your Blood Pressure

   Regular physical activity is a great way to lower your blood pressure naturally. A study from 2014, published in Vascular Health and Risk Management, found that exercising in the morning works best. The study had people with slightly high blood pressure exercise at different times of the day—7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. They wore devices to monitor their blood pressure, and the best results were seen with morning workouts.

6. Build Muscles Faster

   If you want to build muscles, your body needs higher levels of testosterone. Interestingly, your testosterone levels are at their highest in the morning, right after you wake up. So, by working out in the morning, you can take advantage of this natural boost and build muscles without putting in extra hard work.

7. Helps You to Improve Your Habits

   Morning exercise can play a significant role in regulating appetite. Studies have shown that it helps to control the hunger hormone ghrelin, while also increasing satiety hormones like peptide YY and glucagon-like peptide-1. This can help you feel fuller and less hungry throughout the day.

   A 2012 study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise further supports the benefits of morning exercise. In the study, 35 women walked on a treadmill for 45 minutes each morning. Their brain waves were then monitored as they viewed images of flowers (control) and food. The experiment was repeated a week later, but this time without the morning exercise. The results showed that the women's brains responded more strongly to food images when they hadn't exercised in the morning, suggesting that morning exercise can help reduce cravings and improve food control.

8. Improving Your Metabolism

   Metabolism is the process by which your body converts the food and drinks you consume into energy. This process keeps your body functioning, even when you're at rest or sleeping. Think about it this way: even when you're not active, your body still needs to perform essential functions like breathing, pumping blood, and repairing cells. So, improving your metabolism can help support these ongoing activities and boost your overall energy levels.

Exercising in the Morning vs Evening: Which Is Better?

The best time to exercise depends on your schedule, preferences, and how your body feels throughout the day. Here are a few things to consider when choosing your ideal workout time:

Some people find they have more energy and feel more productive with morning workouts, while others enjoy the stress relief and social opportunities of exercising in the evening. Choose the time that you find most comfortable and enjoyable.

Think about your daily schedule, including work and family commitments, to find a time that works best for you. Consistency is important for long-term success, so pick a time you can stick to regularly.

Your fitness goals can also influence the best time to work out. For example, if you want to boost your metabolism and energy levels, morning exercise might be helpful. On the other hand, if your focus is on building strength or improving performance, evening workouts might be better.

Listen to your body and observe your energy levels throughout the day. Try working out at different times to see when you feel the most energised and ready to exercise.

Closing Thoughts

Incorporating morning exercise into your routine can be a game-changer for your overall health and well-being. While it might take some effort to rise early, the benefits—such as increased energy, better sleep, and improved metabolism—make it worthwhile. Ultimately, finding the best time for your workouts depends on your personal preferences and schedule, but starting your day with exercise can set a positive tone for the hours ahead.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why do I feel sleepy after morning exercise?

   Feeling sleepy after morning exercise is a common response to the body's recovery process. Muscle fatigue, glycogen depletion, and dehydration can all contribute to this feeling.

2. Is it okay to nap after morning exercise?

   Yes, a short nap can be beneficial after morning exercise. It allows the body to rest and recover, especially if you're feeling particularly fatigued.