Author: Candace Rhodes / Source: Lifehack
“I don’t have time”
is the number one excuse people give when they’re asked how come they don’t exercise.
In the book The Power of Full Engagement by Tony Schwartz, it says that it’s management of our energy levels and not time that is the key to higher performance.
If we kept our energy levels in check and made sure that every part of our lives contributed to positive energy levels, we would be able to get more done.One of those aspects that give us energy is exercise.
Exercise is the fuel that gives us energy and an activity that keeps on giving even if we are sitting around day in the office and in meetings.
Reaping the benefits of a good workout is immediate. We have better focus and concentration; we are more alert and awake; we manage our mood better and have more creativity after a good workout than if we skipped the gym.
If you’d like to get started working out I’m going cover the pros and cons to exercising at different times of the day so that you can find a time that fits for your lifestyle and schedule.
So, when is the best time to work out? Let’s get started!
Working out in the Morning
Most people aspire to exercise first thing in the morning and get it out of the way. If this is you, read on to find out the additional benefits of getting your workout done in the morning.
Benefits of Morning Workouts
1. The rest of the day is yours
Exercise and lifting weights is a staple and a habit in my life but it’s also the biggest to-do on my list. When I exercise first thing in the morning, then I’m free to do whatever I want the rest of the day. This is why I have a very strong preference of exercising in the morning as oppose to afternoons or evenings.
I schedule my day with my biggest to-dos first while I have the energy and focus at the beginning of the day. But the more I procrastinate about my workout and putting it on my list for later, the bigger that reminder to exercise sits on my shoulder.
My mind feels free when I finish my workout and this is the main reason I get my exercise in as soon as the day allows; and if I have to get up before the sun rises, then so be it.
2. Gyms are less crowded and there is more equipment available
Here’s the best part about working out early in the morning – there is not competition for equipment.
Most people typically struggle with getting up early in the morning except for the elderly. And in the morning, the gym floors are pretty sparse, this means there is no wait for equipment or competing for floor space.
I live in the crowded city of San Francisco where the gyms are packed once it gets to 9 AM, so the best times to get in if I want a squat rack is before 8 AM. Plus, the gym equipment is organized so I can find the free weights I want without much effort and there is usually a bench available.
3. You have more energy and more clarity to fire up the day
After you drag yourself to the gym at the crack of dawn, you will walk out of there with more energy and clarity then when you stepped in. Not only will you wide awake but you have extra energy on top of your cup of coffee.
The extra burst of creativity and focus keeps you productive so that you’re able to make more progress on your projects at work and finish earlier.
4. You become more consistent
The ones who see results are the ones who are consistent and morning people are definitely more consistent than people who postpone their workouts later in the day.[1]
This is…
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