Training in the AM is in my opinion is one of the single biggest changes you can make that will dramatically change your entire lifestyle for the better as it has so many knock effects on things such as sleeping habits, nutrition and productivity. Here are just a few reasons why you should be training in the AM.
- Builds consistency
You probably have the best of intentions when you say that you’ll train during your lunch hour or after work. Unfortunately, your workout time frequently ends up at the bottom of your to-do list and by day’s end you don’t even set foot in the gym. You can completely avoid this situation by training first thing in the morning. Get to the gym before work and you’ll be able to enjoy your lunch break with your colleagues and your evenings will be free to do as you please.
- Jump starts your metabolism
Working out jump starts your metabolism and helps keep it elevated for hours. Why not get your engines running as soon as possible? In this way, your increased metabolism will be working — and burning more calories — while you are, instead of when your body is at rest. If you are like many people who sit at a desk all day, you know that this is reason enough to train in the morning.
- Gives you energy
Did you ever notice that the military trains in the morning? This is because it gives the soldiers the required energy to get through the rigors of their day. So, if the weather and accumulated fatigue have you feeling less than crisp lately, you might want to try hitting the gym first thing in the morning. Doing so will release endorphins and other hormones to give you a much-appreciated boost that often lasts all day. In other words, it’ll give you the required energy to work all day and party all night if you desire.
- Clears your mind
I don’t mean to sound “zen” or anything, but training really helps clear your head and put you in a healthy mindset. Training before your day officially begins allows you to start each day with a fresh perspective as you destroy the stresses of the previous day with a bench press or a treadmill. This will help you reduce the chances of become stressed or upset during the course of your new day. This may be an individual thing, but the general consensus is that exercise reduces stress. Believe it or not, but there are five more reasons to take the morning train…
- Regulates your appetite
Training in the morning will help you regulate your appetite for the day.You will gradually discover that your meal times become like clockwork and you won’t get as many cravings and serious dips in energy levels, which will deter binge eating and overzealous snacking.
- Increases mental awareness
You may have noticed that you feel more alert and ready to take on whatever challenge or curveball life throws your way after a good workout. If you train before your work day begins, you’ll be better equipped to deal with the up-hill battles presented to you at the office. In fact, working out increases your mental acuity for four to 10 hours after exercise. This is due, in part, to the increased flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
- Increases discipline
It takes a great deal of discipline and motivation to get you ass out of bed in the morning, much more if you need to get to the gym. However, including that habit and finding the courage to get to the gym can drastically improve the quality of your life. Before you know it, the discipline it takes to work out every morning will spill over into other areas of your life and you’ll be as driven in your cubicle as you are on the elliptical machine.
- Sleep better
Working out regularly results in better sleeping patterns and better sleep quality. Your body will tell you that it’s time for bed, but knowing that you have to get up to train the next morning will also help you hit the racks at a decent hour. It is very important to give your body the time and rest that it needs to recuperate from your training; it’ll be difficult to build mass and improve your cardio if you don’t rest properly. Set the alarm The major takes home points to keep in mind why its so incredibly beneficial to train in the AM is simply because noting can stand in your way, not your work schedule or family, keeping your evenings free to spend time on that overdue project or quality time with your family. Secondly, there just simply isn’t a better way to start the day than with a workout as it really sets you up in a more positive, energetic and productive mind set for the day ahead. Finally, most importantly training in in the morning allows you to get into a good routine of consistent training coupled with getting to sleep better and overall being in a much healthier state. So, there may be a method to the madness of people who train at the crack of dawn after all. You may want to try it and see what all the fuss is about. Training in the morning can be beneficial to your health and your peace of mind.