7 Benefits of Morning Running
Health benefits of morning running.There’s no doubt that running is a fantastic way to achieve your fitness goals. Due to its numerous benefits, millions of people, young and old, engage in running. Engaging in this activity requires minimal equipment and can easily be done anywhere, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels.
Today, we’re wondering if there’s a specific time that’s best for running. Does it make a difference? You’ve probably seen many people jogging in the early morning light and wondered what motivates them. Well, according to research, the best time for running is in the morning.
So, when most people are still in bed, how can you motivate yourself to pump your heart quickly? Here are the benefits of running in early morning
Improves your productivity for the day :
Have you ever heard the saying that “the early bird catches the worm”? Well, it turns out that morning runs can help you in “catching worms” all day long – metaphorically, of course. This is because exercise stimulates you both mentally and physically. It not only boosts your alertness but also helps you get out of bed at the right time.
After a good run, your body experiences an increase in adrenaline and endorphins. As a result, you feel an excellent sensation called “runner’s high,” which can last for hours after finishing your workout.
Improves heart health :
Do you want to reduce the risk of heart disease by almost half? Five minutes of running every day can be the difference between you and a lower risk of heart-related problems. Research shows that runners have a 27% lower risk of premature death and a 30% lower risk of death from heart-related issues. This holds true for all runners, regardless of how fast or how long they run.
Overall, running helps you stay healthy and live longer. What’s not to like?
Speeds up your metabolism:
What we eat can either be used by the body as a source of energy or stored as fat. If you want to stay fit or lose some weight, you wouldn’t want fat accumulating in your body.
That’s why it’s advisable to start running before having breakfast. After a workout, your body uses energy to repair itself instead of storing food as fat. Additionally, morning runs boost your metabolism, which helps you burn calories throughout the day. This means you’re less likely to feel hungry after finishing your meals, reducing the chances of skipping the most important meal of your day.
Better overall joint health :
There was a time when people thought running was harmful to their joints. Contrary to common belief, recent research has unveiled that regular running can contribute to stronger joints and reduced risk of joint problems. This is attributed to the way running stimulates cartilage repair and strengthens surrounding muscles, providing greater support and stability to the joints. This is because runners stay fit and carry less weight, reducing the amount of stress on their joints.
Morning runs are also associated with better and stronger muscles, which helps reduce the risk of osteoarthritis.
Improved mental health :
Running has a profoundly positive impact on your mental health. You can think of your morning run as an investment in your body. Engaging in this activity cultivates a deep sense of personal value and achievement, as each milestone reached and goal surpassed contributes to a profound sense of self-worth and fulfillment.
Running outdoors is especially helpful because it allows you to enjoy the beauty of nature. The faster you run, the more you’ll notice, as there are fewer people or cars around.
Better sleep :
If you’re one of those people who toss and turn for a long time before falling asleep, you should consider running. Studies show that people who exercise in the morning spend more time in deep sleep compared to those who exercise in the afternoon or evening.
Good sleep is less disrupted by irregular routines. After a few days of waking up early for a run, you’ll start feeling tired earlier in the evening. Once you establish a routine of going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, your sleep will improve.
Helps establish consistency :
Have you ever planned to exercise in the evening but felt too exhausted after work? Morning runs ensure that you’re committed to getting your necessary exercise without procrastinating. It also frees up your evenings for socializing and relaxation.
Stay safe
Stretching before and after any exercise is essential to avoid injuries. If you’re running in the morning, it’s also crucial to invest in some reflective running gear. Here in the UK, mornings can be quite dark for many months, making it difficult for drivers to see joggers. You can also purchase a headlamp, which will make you more visible to drivers and help you see where you’re going.
In conclusion
The benefits of morning running are numerous. In the words of Benjamin Franklin: “Early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.” However, any form of exercise will yield many health benefits,
Regardless of your preferred time slot for exercise, whether it’s the crisp dawn, the bustling afternoon, or the tranquil evening, the important thing is committing to a consistent routine that suits your lifestyle and preferences.