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6 REASONS TO WORKOUT BEFORE WORK
Fitness | July 26, 2014
1.PREP FOR THE DAY
Waking up earlier in the morning than we would usually do, because we want to go for a run or take a spinning class before work, will not only help us get in a better shape and in an awesome mood, but will also make the preparation for the whole day much easier. Because we need to get ready and our muscles need to be warmed up before an actual workout, we naturally will get up even earlier and have a time to enjoy a nice fresh brewed coffee, read a newspaper and even prepare our own meal which is as important as the workout. Eating a healthy breakfast and lunch will not only help us build healthy habits, but also prevent us from eating junk food during the day. Ultimately, the goal is to make waking up early and prepping for a day a habit that will become an absolute must, and will make your morning pleasant and enjoyable even before the workout. Scheduling in the gym or a running session with a friend is a great way to keep the morning workouts going. You wouldn’t want to cancel at the last minute on your buddy now, would you? Don’t forget to stay hydrated all day and have a glass of juice before your morning workout to boost your energy!
2.ENERGIZE YOUR BRAIN
When you start working out in the mornings, you’re going to feel more energized and alert for the rest of the day. Not only will you be less distracted, but you will also make multi-tasking feel like a piece of cake. According to Fitness magazine, a workout at least 30 minutes per day increases your heart rate to between 60 and 75 percent of its maximum capacity causing your brain to release serotonin, which causes you to feel significantly more energetic and happier. “The New York Times” reports that over time, exercise causes the brain to create new pathways devoted to learning and memory.
3.ORGANIZE YOUR THOUGHTS
Because we are living in a very fast paced world, full of technology and distractions, it is extremely hard to stay focused, calm and organized, especially in our minds. When you’re working out, try to enjoy a quiet morning in the sauna or steam room first. Do not watch too much television, especially some negative channels while running on the treadmill. Listen to your favorite music or read a story that will not only inspire you for the whole day, but also relaxes your mind. You’ll be able to use your organized mind to set health and fitness goals and focus well on achieving them. Scientific studies have shown that our intellectual function are much better during the mornings. In addition to that, our ability to address problems and our motivation are definitely better.
4.WAKE UP WITH THE SUN
When you wake up early in the morning you naturally get more done throughout the day, and feel more accomplished and happy. As Benjamin Franklin had mentioned in one of his quotes: “Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy and wise”. We can also burn much more calories when we workout in the morning as our metabolism works much faster and better and will help us to keep our weight more under control.
5.CLEAR THE MIND
Exercise can help to clear your mind. Any type of workout will stimulate blood circulation in your body and it will naturally increase blood flow in your brain. More blood means more energy and oxygen, which makes our brain perform better. You can cleanse your mind by taking a yoga class or listening to nice relaxing music. When you’re working out try to concentrate on something positive. It will give you more energy and stamina and you are going to feel more centered and empowered.
6.ENDORPHIN HIGH
Exercising in the morning boosts endorphins in the brain that will elevate your mood and can offer you physical and mental gratification for the rest of the day. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as euphoric. Having endorphin boosts on a daily basis will help you to reduce stress, fight off any feelings of anxiety and depression, improve your sleep and metabolism and definately boost your self-esteem. Besides, of course you will be looking fit and healthy. Working out in the mornings will help you to get a positive outlook on life on every level.
Private Member |
I love working out in the mornings. I also feel I have more energy and my performance is muvh better
Private Member |
Zuzka, great article!!! Feels as though you read my mind as this question has been circling in my head for months. One of my doubts, however, is whether to have breakfast before or after the actual workout. Say i do a zwow type of workout or running. Thank you so much for this article!
Private Member |
Zuzka may you please do a ketogenic diet meal plan or muscle gain meal plan on your blog? Or even make a vid. Could you also please do a ‘back to school, healthy lunches and snacks’ video or post? X your such an inspiration and you’ve transformed me!
Private Member |
I always have a better day when I do my workout in the morning. All the reasons here are exactly why morning workouts make such a difference.
Private Member |
Agree with all points!
If I miss my morning workout, I will not be able to do it later in the day so every night I prepare my gym clothes and choose which workout I will do the next morning ( always Zuzka’s!) then I just wake up and do it, and …done! Really important to be organized. Same for food: set the time to prepare vegetables and healthy meals. With time this becomes routine.
I don’ workout during weekends but I walk a lot, do chores, etc. I guess that’s still being active…
Private Member |
I got home from work at 3:45 am, was asleep at 4:30 am, and managed 6.5 hours to get up at 11am – with an hour and 15 mins before I had to run out to an important meeting in the city, followed by work at 4pm. I am on my way to my meeting feeling AWESOME with waking up to lemon water, ZYoga #15 from ZGym and lightning bolt prep from pre-made food in the kitchen. So glad I fit in the yoga 🙂
Private Member |
I always work out in the mornings, I don’t feel good doing it in other hour of the day. Sometimes when I’m really busy I try at nights, but is not just the same
Private Member |
I get up at 5:30am to do my workouts in the shed. At this time of year (Winter here in Australia) It’s still dark so I get to walk out to the shed admiring the stars, so pretty first thing in the morning. And I say good morning to the morning star it’s just so beautiful. And I get to see the sunrise while sweating my arse off! It’s an awesome way to start a new day, it always makes me feel happy 🙂
Private Member |
I also work out first thing on the morning. There is really a sense of accomplishment and well being throughout the day. Also a sense if relief that one does not have to worry how to fit it into the day. I’ve been reviewing disc 1 of The Power Strength Series and they are TOUGH!! Just trying to prepare my mind on getting started. I know once I do it will be well worth it. Thank you so much for all you do!
Private Member |
Hey,
so I should wake up – drink my water – roam for 30 minutes – do my workout and THEN eat my breakfast, right?
I feel so powerless in the morning, working out sounds extremely difficult because of that.
Private Member |
After reading a lot of different opinions on the web regarding the ‘correct’ sequence, my conclusion is that it depends on the person. Some people prefer to exercise on an empty stomach, others need to have a meal before.
I personally do not have energy to exercise before breakfast, so if I exercise in the morning, I have to have a coffee, a small breakfast and drink a bottle of water beforehand. It takes me about an hour to wake up completely before I can start exercising.
It is totally worth it though. I completely agree with what Zuzka said. My problem is that I can’t go to bed early because my husband comes back from work very late, and I love spending evenings with him…