Are Early Morning Workouts Better?
With the hectic lifestyle that most of us lead, it can be tricky to find enough time in the day to fit in an exercise routine. In fact, most people never do. However, those who want to get and stay fit are constantly looking for creative ways to make working out easier, or at least more convenient. A plan that embraces early morning workouts may just be the ticket.
A morning workout can have many benefits. For some, it may take a little time to transition to the early-bird lifestyle, but it’s well worth it and the results can be huge. Here are just a few reasons why you should consider rolling out of the sack and hitting the gym earlier for a morning exercise regime.
The Gym is Not Nearly as Crowded
These days, every place seems crowded all the time. From navigating traffic to trying to battle your way through the grocery aisle after work, it seems the continuous flow of people never ends. This can be especially annoying at the gym. It’s hard to get an effective, feel-good workout in a packed gym. Someone may step in for a set, you may get cast the stink eye because you’re “hogging” a piece of equipment, or someone might come over to steal your dumbbells. Maybe the machines you really need to use are already be in use. Not fun. In the morning, the gym is nearly empty. The earlier you go, the quieter and less crowded it will be. By shifting to a morning exercise program, you get first pick of all the equipment! The gym also feels calmer and more tranquil at this time of day.
Get Your Fitness Routine Out of the Way
By choosing early morning workouts, you get your workout done and out of the way. You can check it off and have the entire day open for other priorities. Afternoons and evenings can quickly get hectic. Later in the day, any number of things can get in the way of your fitness program. It’s rush hour, people are sending you social invitations, you’re tired, an emergency comes up or you get swept up by happy hour. By exercising in the morning, you’ll absolutely guarantee that you get your workout in. You'll almost never have to feel bad for missing a workout again. Unless, of course, you oversleep.
Workout Better and Be Energized for the Day
Many people find that early morning workouts are best for them. After a full night of sleep, you have more energy and enthusiasm in the morning. You'll be exhilarated and ready for the day ahead. Men have the added benefit of elevated hormone levels in the morning, making building muscle mass easier. Hormone levels taper down as the day goes on.
Not an Early Riser? Try These Tips.
Getting up early to go the gym can be hard, particularly if you're not a morning person. However, once you’re up, there are few distractions between you and the gym. For some, the trick is waking up in the first place. Make sure you go to bed at a decent hour and get plenty of sleep. Set your alarm clock away from your bed so you have to get up to turn it off. Do not hit the snooze button! As soon as your alarm rings, get up and leave your bedroom. Splash cold water on your face, walk around, or do whatever is necessary to shake off the residual grogginess.
If you have difficulty with waking up and low early morning energy, try a cold cup of coffee or a pre-workout supplement. A light, energizing breakfast can also motivate you to wake up and get going. Good options include a pre-workout shake or smoothie, yogurt with fresh fruit, or some light protein. If you can make yourself get up and get going on your morning workout for just a couple of weeks, you'll probably find it easier each day and you'll be motivated to continue your early fitness routine.
Workout At Home
And don't forget, if you have a little extra space and a few pieces of inexpensive equipment and accessories, you can always get in a quick workout in the comfort of your bedroom or den. There is always a place. You just have to work at finding the time. Early morning workouts at home will eliminate travel time to and from the gym, and just might make your day more efficient. Good luck!
If you're about to get started on a new exercise routine, or you're thinking of making some changes and you need a little advice in the planning stages, stop by our store in Thousand Oaks or give us a call. RX Fitness is here to help with your fitness goals, whatever they may be. We work with hundreds of nutritionists, personal trainers, fitness coaches and medical professionals and we're happy to refer you to one or several so you can get your fitness routine off on the right foot. We also carry equipment and accessories of all kinds to fit every goal and budget and make your fitness routine more productive. Come in and let us help you find exactly what you're looking for. And remember, you can always find Tim's best-selling book, Fitness Equipment – A Shopper's Guide, on Amazon and other online book sellers as well as in our store.
Contact Tim Adams for a free consultation or stop by the store and take something for a test drive. We’re here to help.
