With British Summertime seemingly in full force (and long may it continue), we have found that it can also be a barrier when it comes to working out. The hot and sticky weather makes getting hotter and sweatier the last thing you feel like doing.
However, get yourself early doors, and you will find perfect conditions for working out, whether that is running, cycling, walking or anything else!
So, re-set that alarm and take a look at the benefits of working out first thing in the morning!
- Improved Get Up and Go!
There’s nothing like the smugness you feel when you’ve completed a run or workout before your loved ones have even set foot out of bed. Those early morning endorphins will have stimulated you both physically and mentally. In the process, you would’ve likely gone through your mental to-do list for the day and will now have more ‘get up and go’ to get it done.
- Jump-start your metabolism!
Your morning workout will boost your metabolism, which in turn, will help you continue burning calories throughout the day.
When you eat food, your body will either consume it as a source of energy or store it as fat. When looking to be fitter and leaner, it’s the former we want to happen.
After rising early and getting that workout done, you will be ready for a tasty breakfast… and so will your body!
- Improved Mental Health
Many people exercise for improved mental health as it can have such a positive impact. View your morning run as an investment in both your physical and mental health. Getting out in the morning can be peaceful as there aren’t so many people around. Take in the beautiful sights of nature and enjoy that feeling of achievement and self-worth you feel by starting your day with exercise.
- Sleep like a baby!
Studies show that those that work out in the morning spend more time in deep sleep than those doing afternoon or evening workouts.
- Keeping consistent
So many things can get in the way of an afternoon and evening workout. How often have you got home from a tough day at work and put off your workout? Or other commitments/interruptions get in the way? There should be nothing to get in your way from a morning workout, which then frees up your evenings for other things… like that cold beer in a warm garden!
Fingers crossed for many more of those to come!
For more tips on getting started with running, head over to Start Running Stay Running.