Running is without a doubt a great way to achieve your fitness goals. Millions of people, both young and old, engage in running because of its many benefits. It is also one of the simplest forms of exercise. The question on our minds today is whether there is a specific time that is best for running. Does it even matter? You will surely have seen a large number of people jogging in the early light of the morning and wondered what motivates them. Well, it turns out that the early bird really does catch the worm, as the old saying goes. According to research, the best time to run is early in the morning. So, how you can inspire yourself to get your heart pumping faster while the majority of the people are still in bed? Here are some of the benefits of running in the morning.
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Benefits Of Running In The Morning
Improves Heart Health
Want to reduce the risk of heart disease by almost half? A five-minute run every day is what stands between you and a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Research shows that runners have a 27% lower risk of early death and a 30% lower risk of death from cardiovascular problems. This is true for all runners, no matter how fast they run or for how long.
Improve your sleep quality
One reason to run in the morning is that it may lead to a better night’s sleep.
According to a 2014 study of people working out at 7 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m., those involved in aerobic exercise at 7 a.m. spent more time in deep sleep at night.
A 2012 study of 51 adolescents with a mean age of 18.3 years also reported improved sleep and psychological functioning in those who ran every weekday morning for 3 consecutive weeks.
Better Joint Health
There was a time when people thought that running was bad for your joints. However, recent studies have shown that runners are actually less likely to develop joint problems. The reason for this is that runners are likely to be fit and to carry less weight thus reducing the amount of strain on the joints.
Running in the morning has also been linked to better and developed muscle strength which helps reduce the chances of osteoarthritis.
Improve weight management
When you wake up in the morning with an empty stomach, your body is reliant on fat as a primary source of food. So if you run in the morning before you eat breakfast, you’ll burn fat.
However, 2014 study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition concluded that there was no difference in fat loss among those who exercised after food and those who exercised in a fasting state.
It’s good for your self-esteem
One of the benefits of running in the morning is that it’s good for your self-esteem. Who’s going to have anything bad to say about someone so disciplined that they wake up extra early just to go out for a run? Plus, posting those #morningworkout selfies and beautiful sunrises on Instagram may hold you accountable to keep up the habit!
Mood Boost
Performing any kind of exercise causes our bodies to release feel-good hormones called endorphins. These endorphins can create feelings of euphoria, also known as a” runner’s high”. Not only does this make us want to go running more regularly, but also provides us with a positive and energised outlook on the day.
Increase commitment to physical activity
It can be so easy to talk ourselves out of doing physical activity. Especially when we are tired after a long day and the last thing we fancy is going to the gym. By going for a run in the morning we can tick our physical activity boxes as done for the day. That leaves the evenings free to relax with family and friends!
You’re less prone to freak out
Everyone has those days when it seems the world is out to get them. You spill coffee all over yourself. You start throwing side-eye at that cranky soul on the subway muttering that the train is too slow. Or, worse yet, you are that person. Running can transform your outlook. Seriously, according to the American Psychological Association, there are many facets about exercise that make you less anxious, but an increase in serotonin can play a role, as well as a “toughening up” of the brain by exposing it regularly to stressful activities like exercise. And exercise can have powerful effects on mental health and clinical depression, according to multiple studies reviewed at Boston University.
