There are a ton of things that could make your exercising life a little easier, but finally discovering once and for all how to work out in the morning is definitely a big one for many people.
You set your alarm an hour earlier than usual, determined to override your anti-morning ways and become the elusive "morning workout person" you've always wanted to be. (You know, the one who seems to have her entire life together by 9 a.m.) But how often do you actually wake up when the alarm goes off, just as motivated to get to the gym as you were the night before? Answer: Not often.
Morning exercise is a great way to feel like you’ve accomplished something before you dive into the monotony of your day. But why should you even consider exercising in the AM?
When it comes to exercise, the best time of day to get in a workout session is one that you can do consistently. Everyone is different. The “right” time depends on factors like your preference, lifestyle, and body.
While there isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer, morning workouts do have some benefits. Surveys show that you’re more likely to stick with a morning workout or exercise program than one later in the day, when you’ll probably be distracted by other responsibilities or have time to come up with excuses to skip your sweat session. Other research reveals that people who are exposed to morning light are more likely to have a lower body mass index. Not to mention, of course, that morning workouts can help you beat the heat of summer. And if you’re participating in any type of fitness event, start times are almost always in the morning. If you want to compete at your optimal level, it’s wise to get used to morning workouts.
A morning workout may be a better match for your body’s hormonal fluctuations. Cortisol is a hormone that keeps you awake and alert. It’s often called the stress hormone, but it only causes problems when there’s too much or too little of it. Typically, cortisol increases in the morning and drops in the evening. It reaches its peak around 8 a.m. If you have a healthy circadian rhythm, your body might be more primed to exercise at this time.
Regular exercise is excellent for boosting energy and reducing fatigue. When you work out, oxygen and nutrients travel to your heart and lungs. This improves your cardiovascular system, endurance, and overall stamina. By exercising early, you may feel more energized throughout the day.
Remember! When it comes to athletic performance and exercise, hydration is key. Because the human body is comprised of more than 70 percent water, drinking plenty of fluids helps maintain and replenish what you lose in the heat of competition or exercise. The type of workout, duration of exercise, and environmental conditions all affect how someone should think about hydrating.
Modern Athletes may need to work with a sports nutritionist, preferably a registered dietitian, to ensure they consume enough calories and nutrients to maintain their body weight, optimize performance and recovery, and plan a timing strategy that suits their body, sport, and schedule.
Just be smart and sensible about the temperature, and always keep in mind your own personal limits. If you want to avoid serious injuries that could put you out of commission for a while, you need to listen to your body. Persistence is key. By following the steps above I guarantee you will be able to achieve any goal you set yourself to do throughout the Spring!
Like I mentioned in this article, luckily there are already healthier options of foods and drinks on the market that can help people get their essential vitamins and minerals without the extra calories.
Ultimately, taking steps towards better mental and physical health will complement one another. When you have a good attitude and you feel well physically, you’ll feel less vulnerable to stress. Moreover, you’ll feel as though the world has more possibilities and there’s more to look forward to during your Spring workouts.
Many professional athletes endorse the use of sports drinks to better prepare them and to stay mentally and physically sharp throughout their season. Minnesota Vikings’ Running Back Alexander Mattison also emphasizes the importance of sports drinks like Hydra-Guard in his preparation to play at the NFL level. “I believe that staying Properly Hydrated with products such as Hydra-Guard is very important because as an athlete, it becomes part of a healthy lifestyle choice and it helps me to prevent any injuries,” says Alex.