GET IT DONE BEFORE YOU START YOUR DAY

Let’s face it, life gets in the way sometimes. You might have a late meeting, a spontaneous hangout with friends, or simply lack the energy for an evening run. By getting your workout done in the morning, you eliminate the possibility of anything else taking priority. No excuses, no interruptions, just you and the pavement. Plus, you’ll have the satisfaction of knowing that you’ve already accomplished something for the day, which can motivate you to make other smart choices.

FEEL GOOD ALL DAY LONG

There’s nothing quite like that post-workout high, and when you run in the morning, you get to carry that feeling with you all day. You’ll feel energized, alert, and confident knowing that you’ve already conquered a challenging task. Whether it’s a difficult conversation or delivering a presentation, you’ll be prepared and on top of it.

BOOST CONFIDENCE

Accomplishing a difficult task like running in the morning can help boost your confidence and self-esteem. This can have a positive impact on all areas of your life, from business decisions to reaching personal goals.

IMPROVE YOUR SLEEP

Contrary to popular belief, running at night can actually disrupt your sleep. The adrenaline rush from an evening workout can make it difficult to fall asleep and lead to poor sleep quality. Running in the morning, on the other hand, can help you use up some of that physical energy and promote better sleep at night. Just be sure to adjust your sleep schedule accordingly, so you’re still getting the recommended amount of sleep each night.

LOWER YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE

Regular exercise, no matter what time of day, can help maintain healthy blood pressure. However, a study shows that morning workouts have a greater impact on keeping your blood pressure down. So, if you’re looking to maintain a healthy heart, set that alarm and hit the pavement.

IMPROVE YOUR METABOLISM

Morning workouts can help boost your metabolism and kickstart your body’s calorie-burning process. This means you’ll be burning calories throughout the day, even when you’re not working out.

IMPROVE YOUR NUTRITIONAL FOOD DECISIONS

Running in the morning can actually help curb post-workout cravings and prevent overeating throughout the day. You’ll be more likely to make healthy food choices and fuel your body properly for recovery. Just remember to consume enough carbs and protein after a hard session, and continue to hydrate throughout the day.

Now, if you’re not a morning person, don’t worry. Not everyone is wired to jump out of bed and run past herds of whitetail deer in the park. But, if you’re willing to give it a go, here are some tips to make the transition easier:

START SMALL

Don’t try to shift your entire sleep schedule all at once. Instead, gradually set your alarm earlier each day until you’re waking up at your desired time. And be sure to adjust your bedtime accordingly, so you’re still getting enough sleep each night.

LAYOUT YOUR GEAR THE NIGHT BEFORE

Lay out your running gear, prepare your energy drink, and have everything ready to go the night before. This will save you time and help streamline your morning routine.

CONCLUSION

So there you have it – you’ve learned some of the benefits of running before the sun comes up and some tips for making the transition. But maybe you’re still not convinced. Maybe you’re a night owl and can’t imagine waking up at the crack of dawn. Or maybe you like to stay up late watching sports. Whatever the case may be, it’s important to remember that everyone’s body and lifestyle are different. What works for one person may not work for another.

If running in the morning isn’t for you, don’t force it. Find a workout routine that fits your lifestyle that makes you a happy runner.

Truthfully, for most of us, this isn’t a realistic goal. And that’s okay! Running in the morning is just one way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine and reap the physical and mental benefits. So, lace up your sneakers, set that alarm, and give it a try. You might just surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it. And if not, there are plenty of other ways to stay active and healthy. The most important thing is to find what works for you and make it a habit. Happy running everyone!