What Are the Benefits of a Morning Run?

One of the primary benefits of a morning run is the issue of scheduling convenience, mostly due to the fact that it’s usually pretty easy to open up an empty time-slot in most people’s daily routine by having them wake up a bit earlier. Many individuals also find that running in the morning or doing any other kind of exercise can help put them in a better mood for the entire day, and there are some physiological explanations that support this opinion. Additionally, there is some evidence that exercising in the morning might be more effective for weight loss because of certain hormonal effects. Some experts claim that working out too hard right after waking up might be dangerous for people with heart and circulatory problems, but others believe this danger may not be as severe as the risk of skipping exercise altogether.

Many people have trouble finding time to exercise, and it can be difficult to interrupt important daily activities once they’re underway. Setting an alarm clock an hour or two earlier than normal can sometimes be a good way to solve this problem. Typically, people are pretty tired when they come home from work, so it may be easier for some people to motivate themselves if they start earlier, and with repetition, a morning run can become a habitual part of a person’s waking routine, which may make it easier to stick to.

Some studies have shown benefits to weight loss from exercising in the morning, although the reasons for this are unclear. One possible explanation is that working out may temporarily boost the metabolism, in which case, an exercise routine in the early morning might raise metabolism for the entire day. Another possible explanation has to do with the idea that morning exercise seems to improve sleep cycles, which may offer hormonal advantages in weight loss.

Studies have also shown that exercise causes the release of certain mood-altering endorphins in the brain, often alleviating symptoms of depression and improving a person’s outlook. Additionally, a morning run may have some special advantages in this area. Running is an activity that can offer a person a chance to get outdoors, which can improve mood, and many people like to think and plan while they run, which can help someone get into a better frame of mind.

There are some potential dangers involved with a morning run or any other morning exercise. Research has shown that the circulatory system is not really primed for action in the early morning hours, which may result in an increased risk of heart attacks or other maladies. Some experts recommend that people with circulatory problems or heart issues wait until afternoon before doing anything strenuous.