Exercise First Thing in the Morning
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Posted on: Sun, 09/28/2008 - 13:41
MHJ
Joined: 2008-09-28
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Exercise First Thing in the Morning
Exercising first thing in the morning
Here is a little bit of advice: Exercising as soon as you get up in the morning is one of the best ways to lose weight. This is because your body will burn nothing but stored calories since your stomach is empty. This can lead to significant weight loss if performed consistently.
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I have also read in a fitness magazine that working out in the middle of the day to late afternoon is best because you are at your peak performance and will therefore work out harder, burning more calories.
This makes sense when you consider that most people experience a little slowing of the metabolism in the mid afternoon hours.
This might be true for most people while they are young, but as we age, it is important to allow the body to reach a state where it is ready for more activity, rather than push to engage in activity.
Many heart attacks in healthy, older people can be traced to engaging in activity before the body's systems have had a chance to move from the 8 hours of sleep to the activities of the day.
You actually just argued my point for me by saying that, "older people (who have heart attacks) can be traced to engaging in activity before the body's systems have had a chance to move from the 8 hours of sleep to the activities of the day."
I think there is obviously not a right or wrong time of day to work out. You need to listen to your body, and do what is best for you. Working out first thing in the morning might not be the best idea for older people because their bodies have not reached "a state where it is ready for more activity."
I usually work out at night
I am too busy during the day
also, the body will burn more calories while sleeping since it is still 'in gear' so to speak
Yes, if you work out at night it will rev your metabolism while you sleep as well.
I went out a bought a HR monitor. I work out twice a day, once in the morning and again in the evening. In 35 minutes, I can walk 2 miles and burn 530 calories (as long as I walk in my fat burn HR zone).
So when is the best time to work out early in the morning or in the afternoon?
you need to fit it in when your body likes it the most! I use to struggle out of bed in the morning just to get frustrated with myself if I didn't work out at a level that was adequate...then I started running right after work immediately when I got home so I wouldn't get distracted with other tasks. Now, I can do both, BUT you need to do it when it feels the best! That might not help, but really as long as you are working out---that's the main GOAL!
Good Luck
Aloha from the Big Island of Hawaii.
I think it's best to listen to your body and take the cues it gives you. "Evidence" about calories burned and/or metabolism boosting based on the time of day varies depending on the expert and study. However, as a GENERAL practice: If you exercise first thing in the morning, the workout receives top priority and you get it "out of the way" before the craziness of the day begins. People might be less inclined to exercise at night because they 1) run out of time or 2) feel stressed from a difficult day or 3) just don't have the energy. Statistics show that people who exercise first thing in the morning are more likely to keep it up. Just make sure to do some warmup and/or light, gentle stretching to wake up the muscles. Check out this related article: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/guide/lose-weight-with-morning-exe...
Do what fits your schedule and your lifestyle, just make sure you make it a priority. Make time on your schedule, just like you would a dentist appointment. Start where you are and build gradually. Make weekly goals (walk for 20 minutes, 3X a week, for example) and give yourself non-food incentives for achieving those goals. Write down your activity, sd you would log your food intake. This help you track progress and stay focused.
Most importantly, start slow and build. Don't stress your body right off the bat. And people who are at least 10 pounds over weight should think twice about running and/or jogging; it's hard on the joints and can strain the back. Fast walking burns plenty of calories and raises the heart rate for an aerobic exercise. Don't forget: Weight Watchers sells exercise videos. Another good option is Leslie Sansone's "Walk Away the Pounds" DVDs for cardio and the "Ripped" series for strength building. An ideal weekly exercise routine would include gentle daily stretching (flexibility); 2-3X per week of strength building; 3-5X per week cardio (walking, swimming, biking, etc.)
Good luck, everyone.
95 pounds down, 10 years later!
While I agree that there are tons of benefits to exercising as soon as you get up, I believe that the best time to exercise is whenever it fits into your schedule. Just make sure that you make it a priority to exercise daily!
I personally find that when I work out in the morning, IF I EAT WELL soon thereafter, I will have more energy throughout the day because I started my day off right. However, I can get a bit shaky and fight hunger consistently throughout the day at times, as well, which is not good.
That being said, if I exercise mid-morning (9am-ish) after having had breakfast and hydrating some, I seem to get a better workout and am able to do more and feel better afterwards.
I think everyone is probably different and you should work out when it feels best to you and works into your schedule!
"Exercising first thing in the morning
Here is a little bit of advice: Exercising as soon as you get up in the morning is one of the best ways to lose weight. This is because your body will burn nothing but stored calories since your stomach is empty. This can lead to significant weight loss if performed consistently."
Well, there is some bad news to go with this.
What will your body use for fuel? Muscle and fat.
Lose muscle and long term your resting metabolic rate slows.
Personally, I'd not advise this but be carefull in the path you select.