The Case for Morning Exercise

That's a.m. not p.m.

   I consider myself a morning person. However, I define morning as that time period before lunch and AFTER I’ve had my coffee. In my opinion, the 5:30 a.m. Jazzercize class isn’t morning, it’s the middle of the night. 

   So when my alarm went off last Wednesday at 5 a.m., I wanted to shut it off, roll over and go back to sleep. The only thing that got me out of bed was this blog…and the prospect of being mocked by those I had told I was going to be there. You know who you are!

   Once I was actually out of bed and on my way, it wasn’t so bad. And when I drove into the parking lot, I was surprised by the number of cars. Yes, people actually do this. On purpose.

   What makes them roll out of bed when it’s dark and cold and head for the gym? Andrea takes the 5:30 a.m. class because she has small children and it’s the only time she can squeeze in a workout. Alan has learned if he waits until later, something else intervenes and he doesn’t get it done. And Candy?

   “I like to cross it off the list first thing in the morning. I don’t have to wear makeup,” she said. “And the people in this class are awesome.”

  What are the benefits of early morning exercise?

·            Studies suggest consistent early morning exercise improves sleep. And according to the American Council on Exercise, feeling rested helps control appetite. So working up a sweat early in the day might help you lose weight AND cure insomnia. Boom!

·      Early morning exercisers get it done. No worries about other obligations crowding out your afternoon or evening appointment at the gym.

·      It sets the tone for the day. I have to admit, I felt energized!

·      One more benefit…I actually had a glass of wine after work while I fixed dinner and watched the news. Nice.

I might even try it again some day. Or, I might shut off the alarm, roll over and go back to sleep. :)

The early birds.