The Best Time of Day to Workout (review of TIMES magazine article)

By: Logan Cohen, LMFT-S, founder of New Leaf Counseling Group, LLC

The results are in! We have known adequate exercise is great for your general well-being and supports good Mental Health, but NOW we know that the morning is the best time of day to exercise as well. This article by TIME magazine does a great job of sharing the research data from research studies completed just up the road from Charlotte, North Carolina, at UNC Chapel Hill. We chose to go a step further by diving into the data and outlining the information for you here. So....why is exercise so much better for you in the morning?? Here is why:

1) You Burn More Fat in the Morning

The natural levels of hormones in our bodies are PRIMED for fat burning in the morning. Human growth hormones and cortisol levels are relatively HIGH, while insulin levels are LOW...this makes your body naturally hungry to burn the fat reserves that are in storage in ALL of those fun places that draw our attention when we are trying on new outfits. Research also showed that people who exercise in the morning are prone to being less hungry through the day, which is shown to be easier for us morning workout folks to manage our food intake for the remainder of the day.

2) Your Body Has A Healthier Circadian Rhythm

I know, I know...that sound of the morning alarm is enough to make you want to throw it across the room first thing in the morning. But have no fear, research shows that is you want to create the great habit for your mental health of working out regularly, then you are most likely to create that habit...you got it....in the MORNING...Studies show that exercising around 7AM can support your body in shifting it's own clock (AKA "Circadian Rhythm") to be earlier and more appropriate for us naturally diurnal (active during the day) Human Beings. This essentially means that when we exercise in the morning, we make it that much easier for our bodies to rise and fall naturally with the Sun and Moon. How nice, restful, low stress, yet productive does that sound?!? Um, I think I will actually need to stop here for my morning workout...

Care to learn more about Professional Counselors and Therapists in Charlotte, NC? New leaf Counseling Group specializes in treating concerns related to Mental Health with a down-to-earth approach. Find a therapist near you , or just click here for more information designed to support You AND Your most important relationships. Are you ready to take action? Click here to BOOK NOW!