The debate between early morning and late-in-the-day exercise is a common topic among fitness experts and enthusiasts alike. Technically, exercising in the late afternoon is best for muscles, since your body temperature spikes and you're less likely to get injured, Phyllis Zee of Northwestern University tells CNN. Still, if you're an early bird and afternoon exercise doesn't seem to cut it, early exercise still is an excellent way to burn calories and stay in shape for a variety of reasons.
Scheduling Conflicts
The responsibilities of your day often compound as time progresses, so even when you have good intentions for afternoon or evening exercise, often it becomes impossible. Exercising first thing in the morning means there's little distractions and scheduling conflicts. Instead of adding another facet of worry and scheduling stress to your day, exercise becomes a positive way to begin the flurry of carpool, work, family and personal responsibilities.
Positive Impact
Exercising early in the day helps set the precedent for the rest of your schedule. When you've already put the effort in, you won't justify sneaking a doughnut from the conference room or indulging in lunch time fast food by knowing you'll exercise later. Early exercise helps you make better choices throughout the day, knowing that you've already worked hard on staying healthy, making staying on track easier than before. Without the positive start to your day, you might be more likely to go off track with poor diet choices and sedentary activities.
Energy and Stress
A poor night's sleep, a stressful schedule or simple fatigue all contribute to a dragging day. If you wait until the afternoon to exercise, you miss the energy- and mood-boosting advantages of exercise. Exercise stimulates the release of endorphins, mood-boosting hormones that give you a euphoric, energized feeling. Exercising early in the day means you take advantage of those sensations when you need them the most as you start your regular routine.
Cooler Temperatures
Exercising at temperatures above 90 degrees F puts you at risk for dehydration and heat exhaustion. Heat stroke occurs when your body temperature rises above 104 degrees and can lead to dizziness, nausea, loss of consciousness, elevated heart rate and more. By exercising early in the day, you're almost guaranteed cooler temperatures for safer exercise, as long as you exercise indoors when the temperature exceeds 90 degrees. Remember that heat exhaustion still is possible between 80 and 90 degrees, so take precautions when exercising in the heat, even if it's early. Proper hydration, sun protection and knowing when to stop are all important ways to beat the heat.
