Six reasons why morning walks give you an edge

Boost your mood and spike your energy levels with a morning walk. Photography Thinkstock

When it comes to getting in shape, it could be worth sacrificing your sleep-in.

While there’s no perfect time to work out (any time is better than skipping a sweat session completely), exercising in the morning seems to offer a simple way to accelerate your results, boost your mood and spike your energy levels. Here are just a few good reasons to rise, shine and sweat.

1. You’ll feel invigorated

A stroll in the AM is a sure-fire way to unlock a natural energy boost. One 2012 study published in the journal Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise even found that morning walkers were more likely to stay active all day long. Bonus: the extra activity didn’t increase their appetite.

2. You’ll be a whiz at work

Want to fight off a fuzzy mind? Regular exercise spikes production of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a protein that boosts mental sharpness. So schedule that big meeting post-walk to score an instant mental advantage in the office.

3. You’ll stick with it

Fact: crossing exercise off your to-do list first thing in the morning makes you more likely to work out. The reason? It’s out of the way before distractions beyond your control (like work and family commitments) hit.

4. You’ll burn more fat

Having a walk before brekkie may help shrink your waist. A 2013 study in the British Journal of Nutrition found exercising on an empty stomach can burn up to 20% more fat than if you ate breakfast before your workout.

5. You’ll boost metabolism

The benefits of exercise aren’t just instant. They also rev your metabolism all day. Try mixing up your walk with running intervals: Colorado State University research found that short bursts of exercise can lead to greater calorie after-burn throughout the day.

6. You’ll enjoy better sleep

Are your nights plagued by tossing and turning? One study of women aged 50 to 75 suggests that morning exercise could help. The results, published in the journal Sleep, found that exercising with the sun, rather than in the evening, promotes more restful shut-eye.

Not a morning person?

Make it a habit Set your alarm and wake up early a few days in a row. Soon those workouts will be just another part of your must-do morning routine.

Pump it up Let’s face it: sounds of the forest are not going to get you fired up in the morning. Create a playlist of fast-paced songs to get your heart rate really pumping.

Prep in the PM Go to bed in your gear. A T-shirt and shorts are just as comfortable in bed as they are to work out in. Plus, you can savour an extra five minutes of sleep.

Smell the coffee The Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry found even just inhaling the aroma of coffee beans was enough to stimulate brain activity.

Get fit with Prevention at Sydney Coastrek

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