Morning Benefits

I don’t always feel like working out, but have seen the benefits of working out each morning. I am not a morning person; I do my best work at the end of the day. However true, I have noticed that, for me, there are great benefits to keeping my cardio routine in the morning.

Health (Photo credit: 401(K) 2013)

The most important benefit is an issue of time management. Sometimes my day becomes busier than I had planned, things get bumped. By working out in the morning, early before people start phoning, I am able to get my cardio done before the day gets busy. My hour of cardio does not get bumped.

Exercising releases hormones that increase brain function. Because I am not a morning person, increasing my mental functions in the morning is a great thing. Exercising also increases the metabolism and this increase will carry into the day: a bonus for those who want to lose a little weight.

Exercising releases endorphins which diminishes appetite, another bonus for those wanting the shed a few pounds. Endorphins also present a feeling of wellbeing which helps to reduce stress. Exercising routinely helps bring about a higher quality of sleep so waking up is easier in the morning.

Mineral water being poured from a bottle into ...

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

I drink water during my work outs and have noticed that when I start drinking water early in the morning, I tend to drink water throughout the day. More water means less coffee. Another weight-watcher bonus: drinking water aids the body in converting calories to energy which means drinking water can help burn more calories efficiently.

Smoking less during the morning and early afternoon is the greatest benefit that I have received from maintaining a morning exercise routine. I have found no reason for this; perhaps it is related to drinking more water or the release of the hormones during the cardio. It works and that is a bonus for me.