1. Start the day energized
Getting up early to workout is one of the best ways to begin your day. Exercise gives you an energy boost, and those feel-good endorphins will have you in a happy place for a least a few hours!
I know, I know, great in theory, but how do you implement this every day?
If morning isnt normally your thing, try to push through this barrier set goals, work on the old positive mental attitude, and eat a healthy, wholesome diet.
These will help, but it will still be difficult at times you need to make a resolve to stick with this long enough to experience the benefits. When you do, it will become easier to continue.
2. Rev up your metabolism
Having a high metabolic rate is important for everyone, but tuning it up a few notches is even more important, if you are trying to lose or maintain weight.
Obviously, any exercise you do will be beneficial in boosting metabolism, but by getting your workout over and done with first thing in the morning, you are giving yourself the best chance of seeing that result.
The exercises you choose should be a combination of aerobic exercise, which make you breathe more heavily, and strength training exercising, which tones your muscles.
Remember, the harder you work your body, the faster your metabolic rate will be.
3. Prevent distractions
If motivation to workout is a big problem for you, preventing those inevitable distractions is important.
You may have the best intentions in the world to get your workout done later in the day, but then life happens!
Meetings run late, your kids need picked up from school, the ironing is calling you, your neighbour drops by for a long chat. Whatever it is, its probably legit, but your workout just keeps getting pushed aside.
However, exercising first thing in the morning means that these other factors dont have a chance to hold you back.
4. Improved mental outlook
Working out in the morning improves your entire mental outlook. Thats fact!
Why? Well, one reason is that you feel good because youve already done something positive for your body, before most people are out of bed, and so you dont want to wreak your progress by eating junk food later in the day.
When you get to the end of the day, youve made healthy choices, and you feel positive about what youve done (rather than feeling flat all day) thats fantastic for your self-confidence and belief in your ability toget healthy.
5. Its peaceful
Many people find their early morning workouts are something they actually look forward to imagine that!
Mornings are often a quiet time, with fewer people on the road, which is nice if you like to walk or run, or if you go to the gym, theres much less bustle.
This can be your time, which is set aside to do something good for you, with no distractions. Its also an opportunity to think, plan your day, or just mentally prepare for whats ahead, rather than stumbling out of bed late and hassled.
The key to a good workout is really about finding a time when your energy levels are at their best. Its also about exercising consistently, because youve found something that fits well with your lifestyle.