Metabolic

Dr. Ann shares the ideal time to exercise

While exercise is of great benefit no matter what time of day you choose, the rules for morning exercise apply!

  1. It starts the day on a positive “healthy” note that can set the tone for the rest of the day.
  2. It provides an opportunity to tackle and complete a health critical activity that will allow you to start the day with an immediate sense of accomplishment and empowerment.
  3. This increases the chances of you choosing a healthier breakfast (like the two recipes below). Who wants to negate the benefits of a morning exercise routine with a donut or pastry?
  4. It provides an instant boost in mood and happiness, which studies show it can last up to 12 hours. (Stand in front of the gym door and watch all the smiling faces of the people exit the building.)
  5. It prepares the brain for learning and improves focus for the first 1 to 2 hours after training. (Always plan your most cognitively challenging daily activities immediately after your workout.)
  6. It improves your sleep. Studies show that regular morning exercise improves sleep patterns. In contrast, late afternoon and evening exercise can interfere with the onset of sleep.
  7. Since there are significantly fewer “competing” events or activities in the earliest parts of the day, it is easier to incorporate morning exercise as a consistent daily habit. Studies show that early morning athletes have the best long-term success in maintaining fitness.
  8. It provides a temporary metabolic rate increase (up to 5 hours) that can help you burn some calories for breakfast and lunch.

Speaking of breakfast, here are two of my favorite recipes to start the day.

Dr. Ann Kulze is the founder and CEO of Just Wellness and has a knack for breaking down the science of healthy eating and life into simple and easily digestible messages. She was featured in “Dr. Oz, “Oprah and Friends,” WebMD, and US News & World Report. The Alabama NewsCenter publishes advice from Dr. Ann.

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