Top 10: Reasons To Train In The Morning

Some people will tell you that it makes absolutely no difference what time of day you train. The claim is that the end result will be the same whether you train at 7:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. Then again, there are other people who say that is better to workout in the morning or vice versa. While the verdict is still out on that debate, there are many benefits to training first thing in the morning. Here are 10 reasons why the early bird gets the worm:

Number 10

Builds consistency

You probably have the best of intentions when you say that you'll train during your lunch hour or after work. Unfortunately, your workout time frequently ends up at the bottom of your to-do list and by day's end you don't even set foot in the gym.

You can completely avoid this situation by training first thing in the morning. Get to the gym before work and you'll be able to enjoy your lunch break with your colleagues and your evenings will be free to build model airplanes or to pick up women at your favorite watering hole.

Number 9

No waiting

It drives me up the wall when I have to wait for a machine at the gym. I like it even less when someone takes the weights I was using when I went to get a drink of water at the bubbler.

But if you train early enough, you'll have the pleasure of sharing the space and the equipment with only a few like-minded folks. You can exchange knowing glances as you wipe the sleep from your eyes. Additionally, you'll be able to enjoy a more intense workout due to the reduced waiting time.

Number 8

Jump starts your metabolism

Working out jump starts your metabolism and helps keep it elevated for hours. Why not get your engines running as soon as possible? In this way, your increased metabolism will be working -- and burning more calories -- while you are, instead of when your body is at rest. If you are like many people who sit at a desk all day, you know that this is reason enough to train in the morning.

Number 7

Gives you energy

Did you ever notice that the military trains in the morning? This is because it gives the soldiers the required energy to get through the rigors of their day. So, if the weather and accumulated fatigue have you feeling less than crisp lately, you might want to try hitting the gym first thing in the morning. Doing so will release endorphins and other hormones to give you a much-appreciated boost that often lasts all day. In other words, it'll give you the required energy to work all day and party all night if you desire.

Number 6

Clears your mind

I don't mean to sound "zen" or anything, but training really helps clear your head and put you in a healthy mindset. Training before your day officially begins allows you to start each day with a fresh perspective as you destroy the stresses of the previous day with a bench press or a treadmill. This will help you reduce the chances of become stressed or upset during the course of your new day. This may be an individual thing, but the general consensus is that exercise reduces stress.

Number 5

Regulates your appetite

Training in the morning will help you regulate your appetite for the day. You will gradually discover that your meal times become like clockwork and you won't get as many cravings and serious dips in energy levels, which will deter binge eating and overzealous snacking.

Number 4

Increases mental awareness

You may have noticed that you feel more alert and ready to take on whatever challenge or curveball life throws your way after a good workout. If you train before your work day begins, you'll be better equipped to deal with the up-hill battles presented to you at the office. In fact, working out increases your mental acuity for four to 10 hours after exercise. This is due, in part, to the increased flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

Number 3

Increases discipline

It takes a great deal of discipline and motivation to get you ass out of bed in the morning, much more if you need to get to the gym. However, including that habit and finding the courage to get to the gym can drastically improve the quality of your life. Before you know it, the discipline it takes to work out every morning will spill over into other areas of your life and you'll be as driven in your cubicle as you are on the elliptical machine.

Number 2

Sleep better

Working out regularly results in better sleeping patterns and better sleep quality. Your body will tell you that it's time for bed, but knowing that you have to get up to train the next morning will also help you hit the racks at a decent hour. It is very important to give your body the time and rest that it needs to recuperate from your training; it'll be difficult to build mass and improve your cardio if you don't rest properly.

Number 1

Improves your diet

While it's tempting to think that working out before breakfast will result in immediate burning of your fat stores, it's just not the case. Actually, training before eating could shock your system and it will usually throw your body into a catabolic state (your body will burn muscle for energy). It can be tough, but try to have a low-calorie snack, such as an apple or some yogurt, about 30 minutes to an hour before you train. The snack will give you the energy you need for your training and it will burn off quickly. Working out in morning will also help you eat better during the day. You'll need the proper nutrients, which will cause you to crave better foods, and you won't want to waste the hard work that you put in by choosing the cheeseburger over the tuna salad sandwich.

set the alarm

So, there may be a method to the madness of people you see running by your window at 7:00 a.m. after all. You may want to try it and see what all the fuss is about. Training in the morning can be beneficial to your health and your peace of mind. However, if it doesn't work for you don't force it. The ideal time to train is when it feels right for you.