Shine OnThe best time to exercise during the summer
Summer is finally here! Those deep freeze days are officially over. Down-filled parkas have been exchanged for floral prints; dismal and deserted streets replaced with a happy hustle; empty social calendars swapped for jam-packed schedules. Yes, summer is the season that needs no occasion to celebrate; no holidays or birthdays required to make plans – just a little bit of warm sunshine and a lot of cold chardonnay.
Often this means other priorities in our lives take a back seat to the spontaneous and strong temptation to socialize outside, especially when it comes to our fitness regimens. In the winter, very little stands in our way of that after work spin session. In the summer, however, hitting spin class seems a lot less enticing than hitting a patio for happy hour. The only time of day free from all that summertime excitement is the morning. I know it seems like there are far more attractive things to do at 6 a.m. (like sleeping) but getting the work out over and done with in the morning has a multitude of benefits.
So long excuses
The first and most obvious reason to #riseandgrind is to simply to make sure we get it done. Starting the day with a sweat session leaves the rest of the day open to do whatever we want, with whoever we want; no need to pack a gym bag, only to leave it behind when the inevitable after-work cocktail invitation arises. Statistics show that we are far more likely to stick with a morning fitness routine. Excuses are at a minimum, while energy is at it’s max. The day hasn’t gotten away with stress, exhaustion and a boatload of better things to do. It’s a foolproof plan to make healthy choices without having to miss out on the season’s social activities.
Burn baby, burn
Turns out there are also major weight-loss benefits when it comes to getting to the gym before getting to the fridge in the morning. Firstly, research shows that we actually burn up to 20 per cent more fat when we exercise on an empty stomach. A first thing fitness session is also shown to rev up the metabolism, allowing the body to burn more calories throughout the day.
Say no to nachos
Much research has been done to show the strong positive correlation between exercise and eating. The fact is that regular physical activity encourages us to make better choices when it comes to nutrition. It staves of unhealthy cravings and inspires us to avoid food that might undo all the hard work we’re putting in at the gym. (Like those fully-loaded nachos being passed around at the pub later!) Starting the day with a good sweat only increases these benefits -- getting the day going on a strong and healthy track and encouraging us to eat well from start to finish.
All fired up
Who needs an energy drink!? Sounds counterintuitive, but getting up early to work out actually gives us more energy. Exercise increases the flow of oxygen and nutrients to our entire bodies and forces our cardiovascular systems to work more efficiently – giving us more capacity for the mental and physical demands throughout the day.
Smile incentive
Finally if burning more calories, feeling more alert and making healthier choices aren’t enough reasons to motivate you to get up and at ‘em, simply, an early morning training sesh will make you happier. Exercise increases our body’s endorphin levels and lowers our cortisol (stress hormones), not only improving our moods in the moment but also helping to ward off depression long term. Post-exercise euphoria is a real, scientifically-proven phenomenon. We feel better, happier, more confident and more satisfied with life after working out. Who wouldn’t want to start their day off on that foot?
Caleigh Rykiss is a boxing coach, personal trainer, nutritional consultant and TV producer.
