Working out in the AM: any benefits or disadvantages?

HangoverSquare
HangoverSquare Posts: 128 Member
edited October 1 in Fitness and Exercise
A recent back-to-school thread reminded me that I'll have to adjust my work out routine to the morning (around 6am).

Are there any benefits or disadvantages to doing this?

I'm just concerned about not being able to burn off any of my meals, since they'll take place after the work out through out the rest of the day. Then again, I've also read that it's good for your daily metabolism--though, I'm not sure if that's a baseless claim.

Any advice is appreciated.

Replies

  • jrp31
    jrp31 Posts: 47 Member
    It doesn't matter when you're doing the workout, the benefit is still there. One great advantage to doing it in the morning is that it is DONE! You won't make excuses later in the day because you're tired.
  • kburns0709
    kburns0709 Posts: 297 Member
    i prefer to work out in the morning because it influences the rest of my day, whereas if i exercise in the evening i might make an excuse like "well I'm about to go run off those fries so i might as well get a large!" but when i work out in the morning i feel like i owe it to myself to eat better so as not to waste my hard work
    thats probably not the best attitude to have!
    but i think the benefits are the same no matter what time of the day you work out
  • Leigh_b
    Leigh_b Posts: 576 Member
    working out in the morning helps you know exactly how many calories you can eat in the day... I prefer it to working out later in the day
  • tolygal
    tolygal Posts: 602 Member
    I believe there are advantages to AM workouts. First - and in my opinion, most importantly - it cranks up your metabolism first thing in the morning so you're buring more all day long!!!! I know some people will argue against this (as people will with pretty much anything - it all depends on which expert you talk to - or which expert you want to believe more) - but I believe it based on experience!!

    Second - it's done and you don't have to worry about it anymore!!

    Third - you only have to shower once a day!!

    And finally - you kick start your metabolism!! Oh wait, I already said that :-) That's my favorite thing about AM workouts - I feel like I'm getting the most out of my workouts this way!!
  • jamja
    jamja Posts: 190
    I believe there are advantages to AM workouts. First - and in my opinion, most importantly - it cranks up your metabolism first thing in the morning so you're buring more all day long!!!! I know some people will argue against this (as people will with pretty much anything - it all depends on which expert you talk to - or which expert you want to believe more) - but I believe it based on experience!!

    Second - it's done and you don't have to worry about it anymore!!

    Third - you only have to shower once a day!!

    And finally - you kick start your metabolism!! Oh wait, I already said that :-) That's my favorite thing about AM workouts - I feel like I'm getting the most out of my workouts this way!!
    Lastly you will know how many exercise calories you can eat.
  • smlamb33
    smlamb33 Posts: 342 Member
    I totally agree! If you do it in the morning, then it's done, no excuses. I do mine in the a.m. for that exact reason! I heard that once you exercise your metabolism stays up for several hours afterwards. Plus, I feel more alert and ready to take on the day!
    It doesn't matter when you're doing the workout, the benefit is still there. One great advantage to doing it in the morning is that it is DONE! You won't make excuses later in the day because you're tired.
  • garlic7girl
    garlic7girl Posts: 2,236 Member
    The real question is can I wake up?! LOOOL!
  • joyfulthanks
    joyfulthanks Posts: 155
    The main benefit of working out early, IMO, is that I'm not yet fully awake enough to realize how much pain I'm in!!! ;)
  • alyssamiller77
    alyssamiller77 Posts: 891 Member
    I believe there are advantages to AM workouts. First - and in my opinion, most importantly - it cranks up your metabolism first thing in the morning so you're buring more all day long!!!! I know some people will argue against this (as people will with pretty much anything - it all depends on which expert you talk to - or which expert you want to believe more) - but I believe it based on experience!!

    Second - it's done and you don't have to worry about it anymore!!

    Third - you only have to shower once a day!!

    And finally - you kick start your metabolism!! Oh wait, I already said that :-) That's my favorite thing about AM workouts - I feel like I'm getting the most out of my workouts this way!!

    I tend to agree with this point about jump starting your metabolism, however I also like to hedge my bets. So I mix it up. Some days I go in early and workout before work, other days I workout on my lunch hour, other days I workout in the early evening. I like to keep my body guessing so it never settles into a rut.
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