RISE AND REV UP
The Importance of Energizing in the A.M.
BY:MARY ELIZABETH TERZELLA
The last thing you probably want to do after you jump out of bed is lace up your sneakers and hit the gym, but it may be the best way to start your day.
Countless studies show that aerobic exercise boosts energy, tames tension and improves mood, most likely by increasing levels of “feel good” brain chemicals. However, you may get an even bigger mood boost if you work out in the morning, suggests a recent Scottish study. Though taking either an hour-long morning or evening aerobics class lifted women’s spirits, early birds enjoyed a 48 percent increase in feelings of well-being compared with 22 percent for nighttime exercisers.
Another benefit of a.m. exercise: You may be more likely to stick to a fitness program. As the day wears on and you get busier, competing demands or schedule conflicts are more apt to cause you to skip a workout.