Not a morning trainer? Too bad for you.
Here are seven reasons why those who work out in the a.m. have a big advantage.
- It is less crowded and you get more attention from the coach.
A bit like the early bird catches the (best) worm.
- Your hormones are working to your advantage.
In the morning hours, crucial hormones (i.e., testosterone) that help build muscle mass are elevated in the body allowing you to take advantage of these naturally circulating hormones as they’re peaking.
- It leaves times for other priorities.
Clearly there’s a trade-off between the amount of time you spend in the gym and the amount of time spent at work and home. Which is why slicing off a small segment, like you can in the morning, is usually better than in the evening, when you have other priorities both at work and home, not to mention the fight with evening traffic.
- You’ll be more focused when you reach the office or school.
A bout of exercise increases your focus on the next activity because your body is stimulated. What follows a morning workout? For most people, it’s the office or school. Hence, you’re more alert.
- You’ll be less likely to skip your workout.
It may take a cup of coffee to get your morning going, but once you’re up, there are few distractions on your way to the gym. But later in the day, any number of distractions can sabotage your workout: less motivation, fatigue, the gang is going out, a sick child, an overdue report for work or school.
- Your metabolic rate will receive a quick boost – allowing you to burn more calories.
Without a doubt, exercise boosts your metabolic rate. All other things being equal, working out in the morning will help to boost your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories for the rest of the day. This phenomenon is called excess post-exercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC.
- Your mood will improve.
During a workout, your body releases endorphins, feel-good hormones that are increased by exercise. You’ve just completed your workout for the day – so you feel good for the rest of the day.
