5 Benefits of Working Out in the Morning

If you’re on the fence about whether or not you should get moving in the mornings, you’re in luck, because we’ve compiled a list of 5 benefits of working out in the morning that may inspire you to rearrange your schedule.  

Also, with Zap being 24/7 there is no better time than to join Zap Fitness and be free of gym opening hours. 

1. Improved energy levels  

Exercise is one of the easiest ways to wake your body up and increase energy levels naturally. Acording to the NIFS (National Insitute of Forensic Science), research has even suggested that because exercise directly impacts the central nervous system, it can be even more effective at boosting energy than a cup of coffee or energy drink.  

How exercise impacts the CNS is that it increases plasma free fatty acid levels which may enhance the entry of tryptophan into the CNS via the blood-brain barrier, elevating brain serotonin levels.  

Serotonin is responsible for increasing learning, concentration, memory and happiness (source: Current Sports Medicine). 

Another way that it improves your energy levels is it also increases the oxygen levels in your blood. During your workout, there will be a decrease in oxygen levels and an increase in carbon dioxide. This is what causes you to get ‘out of breath’ as your body works to remove this extra waste product. Over time, your muscles will require less oxygen to move and they will produce less carbon dioxide. This will immediately reduce the amount of air you will need to breathe in and out for a given exercise. Training also improves your circulation and strengthens your heart. (source: PubMed Central) 

2. It frees up your day  

Getting your workout done and dusted early frees up the rest of the day for other activities. Whether it’s a catch-up with friends after work or simply a well-deserved night on the couch, ticking your workout off your to-do list in the morning rewards you with more time in the evening.  

3. Healthier choices  

Exercise doesn’t just have a positive impact on our muscles, but it also has a positive impact on our mindset too. The simple act of completing a workout in the morning will make you more inclined to continue to make healthy choices throughout the day, including opting for healthier food options.  

Be sure to check out our healthy recipes that are great for pre and post-morning workouts. 

4. Improved sleep  

Exercise boosts your heart rate and core temperature, which can rev you up and make it harder to fall asleep. Getting your workout done and dusted in the morning will not only give you the energy boost you need to power through the day, but it may also help improve the quality and duration of your sleep.  

Not only will your duration of sleep increase but moderate to vigorous exercise can help decrease sleep onset - or the time it takes to fall asleep – and decrease the amount of time you lie awake in bed during the night. Additionally, physical activity can help alleviate daytime sleepiness and, for some people, reduce the need for sleep medications. 

5. Positive mindset  

Exercise releases endorphins, the feel-good chemicals in our brains, which can also be referred to as ‘runners high’. Endorphins improve our mood, boost confidence and improve our overall sense of wellbeing. 

 Exercise is also amazing for building mental/stronger resilience. When faced with mental or emotional challenges in life, exercise can help you build resilience and cope in a healthy way, instead of resorting to alcohol, drugs, or other negative behaviours that ultimately only make your symptoms worse. Regular exercise can also help boost your immune system and reduce the impact of stress 

If mornings are still a struggle for you and you just vibe then night owl life, you can still reap the Benefits of a 24-Gym by training at a time that best suits you and your lifestyle.