The Benefits of Starting Your Day with Exercise
The Benefits of Starting Your Day with Exercise
Exercise is one of the best things you can do for your body and mind, and starting your day with it can set the tone for a productive and happy day ahead. Whether you prefer yoga or cardio, a brisk walk or a full-on workout, the benefits of making exercise part of your morning routine are vast and varied.
Here are five ways starting your day with exercise can benefit your mind, body and spirit.
1. Increased Energy Levels
Exercise gets the blood pumping and the heart racing – giving us an instant energy boost. In fact, a study by the University of Georgia found that just 20 minutes of low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise, like walking, can result in a 65% increase in energy levels. When we start our day with exercise, we feel like we can tackle anything ahead of us with ease.
2. Enhanced Mood
Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, those feel-good chemicals in the brain. When we exercise, endorphins are released into our system, making us feel happier, less anxious and more relaxed. Starting the day with a mood-enhancing workout can enhance our emotional well-being and give us a positive outlook on the rest of the day.
3. Improved Sleep Quality
Exercise has been shown to improve the quality of sleep, especially when we do it in the morning. By exercising early in the day, we are promoting better sleep patterns by regulating melatonin, the hormone that governs our circadian rhythms. Better sleep means better mental clarity, a stronger immune system and more energy throughout the day.
4. Boosted Metabolism
Starting the day with exercise helps to activate our metabolism, stimulating the body’s ability to burn calories and fat throughout the day. Studies have suggested that when we exercise before eating breakfast, our bodies will burn up to 20% more fat than if we exercise later in the day. Exercise can also help control our appetite, preventing us from overeating and snacking throughout the day.
5. Improved Cognitive Function
Exercise has been shown to improve cognitive function and memory, thanks to increased blood flow and oxygenation to the brain. A 2013 study published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that exercise can boost our ability to learn, our creativity and our problem-solving skills. A morning workout can help us stay alert, focused and productive throughout the day.
FAQs
Q: How long should I exercise in the morning?
A: Experts recommend at least 20-30 minutes of exercise in the morning, but any amount of physical activity can be beneficial.
Q: What type of exercise is best for a morning workout?
A: Any form of physical activity can be good for a morning workout, but low-to-moderate-intensity aerobic exercise like walking, jogging, or cycling is a great way to start the day.
Q: Do I need to eat before exercising in the morning?
A: Not necessarily. Some people find that they perform better on an empty stomach in the morning, while others prefer to have a small snack before their workout.
External Site Links
1) How Exercise Can Improve Your Mood – from the Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/exercise/art-20048389
2) Why You Should Exercise in the Morning – from Healthline: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/benefits-of-morning-exercise
3) How Exercise Improves Our Sleep Quality – from the National Sleep Foundation: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-hygiene/daily-habits-improve-sleep/exercise
