When it comes to morning running, benefits abound. There are few things as satisfying as completing a run and feeling like you’ve already accomplished something before your day has even truly begun. Plus, there are plenty of benefits to running in the AM that go beyond the physical.
Running when you wake up can provide benefits such as increased mental focus and productivity, improved sleep quality, weight management, and more. Here are seven benefits of morning run provides that you may not have known about.
- 1. Increased mental focus and productivity
- 2. Improved sleep quality
- 3. Weight management
- 4. Increased energy levels throughout the day
- 5. Easier to stick to a running routine since it’s done before work/school obligations set in
- 6. Helps manage blood pressure levels
- 7. Can improve overall mood
1. Increased mental focus and productivity
There are many advantages to running when you wake up. One of the most important is that it increases mental focus and productivity for the rest of the day.
When you run in the morning, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that make you feel good. This not only makes you happier and more relaxed, but it also helps clear your mind so that you can focus better on the tasks at hand.
Additionally, running when you wake up sets a positive tone for the rest of your day. You’ll be more likely to stick to your goals and stay productive if you start your day with a healthy activity like running. So get out there tomorrow, lace up those Brooks running shoes (or whatever you got) and go for that run when you wake up!
2. Improved sleep quality
Getting a good night’s sleep is essential for optimum performance the next day.
While there are many different things people do to improve their sleep quality, one of the most effective is running when you wake up.
Running the early parts of the day has a number of blessings that help you get the most out of your slumber.
For one, it increases blood flow and helps you wake up more easily. It also helps to regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythm, which is responsible for setting your body’s clock and telling it when to sleep and wake up. Finally, running in the AM can help reduce stress levels, which can interfere with sleep quality.
Here are 3 key ways running in the morning can improve your sleep quality:
1. Increased blood flow and circulation
When you run in the morning, your body starts pumping more blood around your system. This increased blood flow helps to oxygenate your body and your brain, which in turn can help improve sleep quality.
2. Easier wake-up
The act of running itself is often enough to get people out of bed. Compared to lying in bed trying to will yourself to wake up, getting up and running is a much easier task.
3. Regulates circadian rhythm
As mentioned before, running when you wake up can help regulate your body’s natural circadian rhythm. This is important because when your circadian rhythm is out of balance, it can lead to difficulty sleeping or insomnia.
3. Weight management
Running when you wake up is fantastic at helping with weight management. Morning runners tend to be thinner than those who exercise at other times of the day, and they’re also more likely to stick with their routine.
Exercising when you get up helps you start your day on a healthy note, and it sets the tone for the rest of your day. You’ll have more energy and be less likely to indulge in unhealthy foods later on. In fact, studies show that people who exercise in the morning are more productive throughout the day.
So if you’re looking to get the maximum out of your running for weight loss, do your run when you wake up.
4. Increased energy levels throughout the day
It’s a well-known fact that exercise releases endorphins, which in turn leads to an increase in energy levels. But did you know that the time of day you choose to work out can make a difference as to how energetic you feel later on?
Studies have shown that people who exercise in the morning generally have more energy throughout the day than those who work out later on. This may be because these exercisers are less likely to skip their workout due to fatigue or lack of time later on in the day. Plus, early workouts tend to be shorter and less intense, making them more manageable for most people.
So as you can see, though it may sound like you’ll have less energy throughout the day, a run when you wake up does give you a boost.
5. Easier to stick to a running routine since it’s done before work/school obligations set in
Mornings offer a special kind of quiet and peace that is often hard to find later in the day. The world is just starting to awaken, and there’s something about being the first one up that feels special.
For many people, this time of day is also when they have the most energy. Morning runners take advantage of all these benefits, getting their running done before other obligations set in.
There are plenty of advantages to running in the morning – it’s easier to stick to a routine since it’s done before work/school obligations set in, you’re less likely to get injured since your body is fresh at the start of the day, and studies have shown that morning runners tend to be more consistent overall with their running schedule.
In fact, routine is key when it comes to fitness. If you want to see results, you need to be consistent with your workouts. And the best way to stay consistent is to establish a routine and stick to it.
There are plenty of benefits to having a routine when it comes to fitness. For one, you’ll always know what you’re supposed to do each day, making it easier not to miss a workout or run. You’ll also be more likely to push yourself harder during your run if you have a set routine, since you’ll know that they’re important for reaching your goals.
Another great benefit of having a routine is that it helps keep your mind focused. When you know what’s coming next, there’s less chance of distractions getting in the way of your exercise. And finally, having a routine provides structure and stability in your life – both important factors when it comes to maintaining healthy habits.
6. Helps manage blood pressure levels
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious condition that can lead to heart disease and stroke. Thankfully, there are many things you can do to help manage your blood pressure levels, including regular exercise. Exercising when you get up is a great way to start your day and can help lower your blood pressure throughout the day.
Running in the morning has been shown to help manage blood pressure levels. When you run in the morning, your body releases endorphins, which are hormones that block pain signals from your brain. This can not only make running feel easier, but it can also help to lower your blood pressure over time. Additionally, running early in the day has an added advantage of helping to get your metabolism going and therefore help you burn more calories throughout the day.
7. Can improve overall mood
Running in the morning can bring a lot of welfare beyond just weight loss. It can help to improve your overall mood throughout the day. This is because when you run in the morning, you are releasing endorphins which make you happy.
When you exercise, your body releases endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that interact with the brain and create a feeling of happiness. They are responsible for the “runner’s high” that people often experience. This is why running at dawn can make you happy and improve your mood throughout the day.
When you get a release of these endorphins at the beginning of the day it sets the tone and your overall mood for the rest of the day.
What are the best places for early morning runs?
1. The Beach – Running on the sand provides a unique workout that is both challenging and fun. The beach is also a great place to take in the natural beauty of your surroundings.
2. A Park – Parks offer plenty of sidewalks and paths to choose from, making them an ideal location for a early day run. You can also take advantage of park amenities like playgrounds and ponds.
3. A Trail – If you’re looking for a more scenic route, try running on a local trail. There are often several trails to choose from, each with its own unique features. Be sure to check out your area’s parks and recreation department website for a list of local trails.
4. Your Neighborhood – Sometimes the best place to run is right outside your door! If you live in a neighborhood with sidewalks, this is a great option for an early morning run. Plus you’ll get to say hi to your neighbors.
How to make the switch from running at night to mornings?
1. Start slowly
If you’re not used to running when you wake up, it’s important to start slowly. Don’t try to go from running once a week at night to running every morning. Instead, start by adding one or two runs to your schedule and gradually increase the number as you get more comfortable. This will help reduce the chances of getting injured or overtraining.
2. Get plenty of sleep
One of the perks of running at night is that it can help you get a good night’s sleep. If you’re trying to make the switch to morning runs, be sure to get plenty of sleep in order to make up for lost time. You may find that going bed earlier helps make getting up easier in the morning.
3. Wake up early enough so you have time for a run
It can be tough getting out of bed early in the morning, but it’s important to wake up early enough so that you have time for a run before heading off
Is a morning run better for your training?
For one, running when you wake up helps to get your metabolism going. When you start your day with a run, you are working to get your metabolism going and it will stay elevated throughout the day. This is beneficial because it means you will be burning more calories throughout the day.
Another perk of running in the early part of the day is that you are releasing endorphins. Endorphins are hormones that interact with the brain and create a feeling of happiness. They are responsible for the “runner’s high” that people often experience. This means that when you run in the morning, you not only have the benefits of getting your metabolism going, but you also have the perk of feeling happy.
Both of these perks are important when it comes to running and training for a race. Having a good mindset and being able to burn more calories throughout the day can help improve your performance and reach your goals. Every little bit helps, especially when training for a marathon (marathon training plans). I can attest personally that morning workouts contributed to a huge part of improving my race times. And this is why it’s better to do your run early before the afternoon (early morning runs) if you want to improve your fitness and race times.
Conclusion of 7 Benefits of Running in the Morning:
In conclusion, there are plenty of benefits to running in the morning – it’s easier to stick to a routine since it’s done before work/school obligations set in, you’re less likely to get injured since your body is fresh at the start of the day, and studies have shown that morning runners tend to be more consistent overall with their running schedule.
But that’s not all – running early before the afternoon can also help manage blood pressure levels, improve overall mood, and even burn more calories throughout the day.
If you’re looking for an easy way to get into shape and stay healthy, starting your day off with a run may be just what you need. So lace up your sneakers and head out for a run!
