Welcome to the Centurion Training blog, once again I have some great information to help you take one step closer to your physique/performance goals. This week’s blog covers 10 reasons you should train in the morning.... so crack on and let me blow your mind with some fitness knowledge!
10. Builds consistency
Most people that try to train at lunch time or after work fail because of the numerous distractions that can be found whether that is lunch with colleagues or rushing home to watch glee...
That’s right I said it!
If you train first thing in the morning you can avoid all of the potential pitfalls of the work environment and also reap the following benefits too...
9. No waiting
I now exclusively perform my own training sessions at the studio or outdoors because I HATE waiting around for other gym users to finish up performing bicep curls in the squat rack.
I have found however the waiting time is much lower if you train in the morning as there are fewer fitness warriors around to take up your training equipment!
There is also something extremely satisfying about exchanging glances with fellow gym bunnies knowing you are one of the few hardcore people willing to train when others are still dreaming of protein shakes and powerplates!
8. Jump starts your metabolism
As we know, working out increases your metabolic rate and keeps it elevated for hours and 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.
7. Gives you energy
Did you ever notice that most disciplined forces such as the military or police forces around the world train in the morning? This is because it gives the soldiers the required energy to get through their grueling days. 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.
6. Clears your mind
I don't mean to sound like a Jedi master, but early morning training really does help you clear your head for the day and also makes any stress throughout the day more manageable, if you’ve deadlifted 200kg or run 10k in your morning workout dealing with extra admin or that colleague you can’t stand seems like a cake walk!
Believe it or not, but there are five more reasons to take the morning train...
5. Regulates your appetite
Training in the morning will help you regulate your appetite for the day. Your meal times will become more regular and you will find that you snack less. Due to the increased regularity of meals you find that your cravings and energy levels will improve which will prevent overzealous snacking and binge eating.
4. Increases mental awareness
You may notice that after training sessions you feel alert and ready to take on the world, unless you trained so hard that you are zombiefied!
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. Working out increases your mental acuity for up to 10 hours after exercise. This is due, in part, to the increased flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.
3. Increases discipline
It takes great discipline to drag yourself out of bed to head to the gym or head outdoors. 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 work place as you are on the cross trainer.
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.
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.
If you would like any advice on training, nutrition or lifestyle you can always email on Josh@centuriontraining.com
As always train hard, eat well and get results!
Joshua Mullin – Master Trainer