6 Reasons to Love Morning Workouts

We all know that exercise is good for our health. It doesn't just help control weight, but it also reduces the risk of getting diseases. In addition, having regular physical activity can improve our mental health and well-being.

But is there a right time to exercise? Basically, it depends on your availability and your body's capabilities. For example, one may be able to exert the highest effort late afternoon or perform better in the morning.

If you're feeling bloated after waking up, it may be a good idea to exercise during that time. But there are also other reasons for professional cheerleaders and dancers to exercise in the morning. Here are some of them!

1. Burn more fat

Working out at any point in the day can help you burn fat. But did you know that you can burn more calories in the morning? That is because your body has a specific hormonal profile that supports that goal. And this is more effective when working out on an empty stomach.

Although there's still conflicting research on the pros and cons of exercising with an empty stomach, a study suggests that you can burn around 20% more fat by exercising before breakfast. This was also supported by a recent study in the UK. Note that if you're not trying to lose weight but to maintain muscle mass, it's best to eat a light meal rich in carbohydrates and protein.

2. Enhanced metabolism

In the morning, our bodies release cortisol and growth hormones that make us alert after waking up. These hormones are also involved in our metabolism, so you'll burn more calories in the morning than when you do the same exercise in the evening. So take advantage of this morning's hormonal boost to help you lose weight and build muscle more efficiently.

3. It can lift up your mood

Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed, or are you stressed because of your dance performance at hand? Improve your mood by doing some workout routines. When you exercise, your brain releases hormones like endorphins and dopamines that block pain receptors and promotes pleasure and satisfaction. Moreover, there's a significant increase in serotonin which helps boost happiness and overall well-being.

4. You'll be likely to be more consistent

You might have an unscheduled meeting in the afternoon, a rehearsal after school, or you're already tired when you leave work. It can be easier to get distracted later in the day than in the morning. And this means that you have a higher chance of skipping your workout.

When you exercise in the morning, you'll have more focus. And as you become more committed to your exercise goals, you'll see how it will positively affect other areas of your life.

5. Increased alertness

As you wake up in the morning, your body releases a surge of cortisol which keeps us alert and awake. It typically increases in the morning and drops in the evening. You can use this alertness to improve your workout experience and get energized throughout the day.

6. Improved sleep

When you exercise early in the day, your body clock may shift at an earlier time. This means that you'll be more awake in the morning and feel tired earlier in the evening. This will allow your body to take less time falling asleep, and you'll spend more on relaxing and recovering from your day.

Conclusion

It's great indeed to exercise in the morning. But if you're really not a morning person, you don't have to force it. Instead, adjust your workout schedule according to what your body needs. Just be consistent once you start working out.

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