7 Reasons to Wake Up & Work Out!

It’s definitely easier to hit the snooze button than to hit the gym first thing in the morning.  Exercising daily is already a huge commitment for us busy women, and waking up early to do so may seem just plain crazy.  But don’t knock it yet – we have 7 great reasons to embrace the A.M. workout theory, and they just may turn you into a believer.  Turns out the women you see leaving the gym – just as you’re arriving for your “early” workout – are on to something.  See for yourself why the morning workout is such a big deal!

1. You’ll Get Your Metabolism Going

With speedy metabolisms come slimmer figures. Studies have shown that the earlier you get your body moving, the faster your metabolism will work throughout the day.  Lifting weights is a great way to improve metabolic speed, so make sure to lift in the A.M. for some serious results!  You can savor every meal throughout the day, knowing that your metabolism is working hard to burn up every bite!

2. You’ll Get in the Right Mindset

Exercise will clear up the fogginess in your head that comes with waking up.  There’s no better feeling than arriving at work knowing that you’ve already accomplished something amazing that day!  Physical activity will generate brain activity that doesn’t come with sleeping in.  It may seem more logical to doze off for another half hour when you’re still in sleep-mode, but hopping out of bed and heading to the gym is the best way to jump-start your brain!

3. You’ll Avoid the Lines

What’s worse than waiting for a machine at the gym, after you’ve already cut out time in your busy schedule to be there in the first place? Umm…nothing!!  You can expect a much lighter crowd when you work out in the morning, and get the luxury of spending more time (and burning more calories) on your machine of choice.  Not to mention, there’s much less of a chance that you’ll have to deal with the “socializers” that take up space in the gym during after-work hours!  Everyone else will most likely be totally serious about their workout – just like you!

4. You’ll Start a Routine

Besides a big cup of coffee and watching your favorite news team, what do you really have to do every morning?  Getting an early start at the gym leaves no room for excuses – you can’t use the “I have to work late” excuse because you haven’t been to work yet, and you can’t use the “I’m tired” excuse because you just slept for 8 hours (hopefully!). You’ll feel satisfied and accomplished, and knowing that you’re taking full advantage of each and every day!  Who would ever want to give up that feeling?

5. You’ll Improve your Sleep Cycle

Working out gives you tons of energy, which isn’t much help when you’re trying to fall asleep at night.  Exercising in the morning will not only provide you with energy during the day, but it will also help your body wind down at just the right time.  Waking up at the same time every morning will regulate the time that your body wakes up along with you.  Remember that there’s a difference between waking up early and getting less sleep!

6. You’ll Get a Better Workout

It’s been suggested that exercising in the morning often gives you more time to work out, and more energy to put in your workout. These factors will help you to burn more calories within the time that you’re at the gym.  The later in the day that you work out, the lower your energy supply will be.  Not to mention, you’ll be completely focused on your sets and reps, rather than what you’re making for dinner or whether you remembered to text back your boss!

7. You’ll Break the Caffeine Habit (Finally!)

If you’re trying to put an end to your daily cup of coffee, replacing it with an early workout is a great way to get started.  Exercising in the A.M. is an awesome way to obtain natural energy, and most importantly, never have another afternoon caffeine crash again!  An early workout is the perfect remedy for any recovering coffee addict!

While there’s some amazing motivation out there to start working out in the morning, remember to do what feels right for you!  Whether you exercise as soon as you rise and shine, or right after your boss sets you free, you’re doing your body some serious good.  Make sure you weigh the pros and cons, and are working out at a time that will provide you with maximum benefits!