For the majority of my life, I’ve claimed not to be a “morning person.” I’ve also never worked out consistently, probably because, as San Francisco-based personal trainer Bianca Buresh says, “You have to be a very disciplined person if you’re going to leave it to the end of the day.” I can’t fathom how some people can get out of bed—voluntarily, no less—in the early morning hours to exercise. Exercise is hard enough without the added lure of a warm, cozy bed.
But I made a goal for myself a few months ago to give morning exercise a try after hearing glowing reviews from my friends—“I have so much more energy,” “I feel better about myself throughout the day.” Five months later, I wholeheartedly concur.
Exercising at any time of day is beneficial. But as a recent convert, I believe there are more positive outcomes of morning exercise compared to working out later at night. If you can make the commitment to get out of bed a little earlier than usual, you might find that it rewards other parts of your life besides cardiovascular health.
1. Better Performance at Work
It’s no secret that a hard workout can decrease our stress levels. When we begin our day by exercising, the depletion of stress, however slight, can make us more focused, more energized, and ready to tackle the day’s responsibilities. Working out increases blood flow to the brain and gives us a more alert mind—so morning exercise is great preparation for helping us successfully get through our day.
Similarly, a study at the Leeds Metropolitan University found that workers were significantly more productive and better able to communicate effectively with coworkers after exercising than on the days that they didn’t exercise. Imagine arriving at work more focused, in a better mood, and mentally equipped to tackle the day. You might even be able to skip that first cup of coffee.
Isabel Hartman, a financial analyst in San Francisco and a self-described morning exercise enthusiast, thinks the study’s findings are right on target based on her experience and says her morning workout energizes her. “It makes my day less stressful, and I feel more motivated all day long,” she says.
2. A Metabolism Boost Throughout the Day
Exercise causes our metabolic rate to increase—meaning our body burns calories more quickly and efficiently—for approximately four to eight hours after a workout. However, the boost could be more beneficial in the morning because the spike lasts throughout the day. If you exercise at night, you’ll still reap the benefits of the boost, but for a shorter period because you’ll probably be sleeping relatively soon after a night workout, which would lead to a slower metabolic rate. Not only that, but people who exercise in the morning tend to make better diet choices throughout the day. Hartman agrees: “It really sets the course for my day, as far as sticking to a healthy eating plan.”
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