This week has been a bit of an experiment for me. I usually always work out after work. This has worked for me for years, pretty much since I graduated college and took a regular nine-to-five job. I’m trying to get into working out in the morning, though. Some say there are benefits to working out in the am, including a boosted metabolism and better sleep at night (particularly for women). Plus, I always feel great after a good workout and I’d love to feel that way all day long, not just for a couple hours before bed.
So why haven’t I been working out in the am all along? Well, to be honest, I am not a morning person. I love running, but I also love my warm comfy bed and there’s pretty much nothing that can get me out of it earlier than absolutely necessary. But my husband gets up for work at 6 a.m. and after that I have a hard time going back to sleep anyway, so this week I’ve been trying to get up around 6:30 to work out. After just the first day I realized I kind of love it. So I’ve been doing it every day this week. Two additional perks: more free time after work! And with summer nearing after-work runs become impossible (it’s too hot!). This way I can still get my outdoor run in before the temperature creeps up and avoid excess time on the treadmill.
I’ve still been heading over to the gym after work to do my strength workouts, but those only take about 30 minutes so I’m still getting home much earlier than usual. I also feel like I get more out of my strength workouts if I’m not exhausted from just finishing a tough cardio workout.
So, what do you think? Are you into a.m. or p.m. work outs? Do you work out at a scheduled time every day or is your schedule all over the place?
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