Other than helping to keep your fitness goals on track, working out in the morning comes with a plethora of health benefits. Try an outdoor workout to jump start your summer days, and you’ll see the following improvements:
- Your energy levels will increase—both physically and mentally
While you may rely on caffeine to wake you up in the morning, studies have shown that exercise provides a much better jolt. A study published in Cerebral Cortex shows that the release of endorphins triggered by running helps to change your mood—and make you more alert. Exercise also helps to fire up the brain, increasing blood flow and increasing alertness. Forget that red-eye with three shots of espresso: a light jog will do you much better!
- You’ll make more positive lifestyle choices
Waking up consistently to fit in a workout does wonders for your schedule, giving you the proper motivation to form a healthy habit. Additionally, research from Indiana University shows that you’re more likely to eat better if you’ve exercised, giving you an all-around health boost.
- You’ll sleep better
By the end of the day, you’ll feel drained of your energy—which is great for your sleep hygiene. According to a 2012 study, those who run regularly in the mornings have much better objective sleep than those who don’t. So, wake up earlier and get going to catch some better zzz’s!
