Starting your day with a morning workout routine could offer several potential health advantages, such as enhanced sleep quality and improved concentration throughout the day, among other benefits.

However, when it comes to exercise, the ideal time of day for a workout is ultimately the time that allows you to stick to a consistent routine. Every individual is unique, and the “right” time depends on personal factors like your preferences, lifestyle, and body’s natural rhythms, not forgetting that not everyone is a morning person.

While there is no universal optimal time that fits everyone, exercising in the morning does come with some potential perks. Let’s explore the potential advantages of kickstarting your day with an early sweat session.

Here are four reasons why hitting the gym in the morning is good for you:

• Better mood – Physical activity is a natural stress reliever. When you exercise, your brain produces more endorphins, often referred to as the “feel-good” hormones. Therefore, someone who begins their day with a workout is more likely to maintain a positive mood throughout the day. Exercising in the morning is an excellent way to start the day on a positive note. It also provides a sense of achievement to work out early in the morning. This routine not only sets a positive tone for the day but also instills a sense of enthusiasm to tackle it head-on. It gives you the opportunity to start the day on a high note.
• Improved sleep – Starting your day with an early workout could be the key to a better night’s sleep. Adults tend to experience improved sleep quality when they exercise at 7 a.m. Those who engaged in morning workouts spent more time in deep sleep and experienced fewer interruptions during sleep. Additionally, they took less time to fall asleep. Exercising outdoors in the morning provides even greater sleep-related benefits. Exposure to natural light during morning exercise may help increase melatonin levels at night, further enhancing sleep quality. Who knew?
• Increased alertness – Morning exercise is believed to align better with your body’s hormonal fluctuations. Cortisol, known as the stress hormone, plays a role in keeping a person awake and alert. However, it can cause issues when its levels are too high or too low. Cortisol levels typically peak around 8 a.m. and decrease as the day progresses. As a result, the human body may be more prepared for exercise in the morning. This increased alertness can lead to enhanced productivity throughout the day.
• Healthier food choices – Exercising in the morning improves the function and speed of all your organs, leading to hunger at appropriate times. This can inspire healthier eating habits, as working out early may prompt you to make better food choices throughout the day.

Main image: Eating well