5 reasons to do morning exercise this summer

The early bird catches the worm! Here are 5 reasons to do morning exercise this summer.

Many people are put off from exercising during the hot summer months, and we can’t say we blame them. It can be such a struggle finding the energy to run around when you’re already exhausted from the sweltering heat. That’s why at this time of year it’s best to exercise in the morning. Personal Trainer and Body Transformation Expert Enrico Argentin, otherwise known as RJ (rjprotrainer.co.uk), has explained why working out when you wake up is a fantastic way to start your day.

Free up your evening

As a Personal Trainer, RJ understands how working out in the morning is a great way to make the most of the rest of your day. “Summer is a sociable time. Exercising in the mornings means you can stick to your fitness routine, without missing out on rooftop bars and food pop ups. It also means you will be less likely to cancel and miss a session. Nothing else more exciting happens before work!” Waking up a little bit earlier to fit some exercise into your day may seem unrealistic, but it will make you feel so amazing and productive. Hopefully it’ll soon become a part of your regular routine!

You’ll sweat less

“It’s cooler in the morning during the summer, which makes exercising more comfortable. There are also less UV rays, so being out and about in the morning is good for all outdoor exercisers and runners,” says RJ. “There are lots of risks when working out in high temperatures, including cramps (sweating minerals), hyperventilation (dizziness and feeling faint), heat exhaustion and sunstroke or heatstroke.” It’s good to push yourself when you exercise, but make sure you don’t push yourself too hard in hot weather to the point of being dangerously dehydrated. Looking after your health should always be your top priority.

Cortisol levels

“During the night, your cortisol levels increase and your glucose levels decrease,” explains RJ. “Cortisol is a catabolic hormone, which helps you burn fat, and is highest in the morning when you have an empty stomach, with the peak time being between 7 and 8 am. To amplify the effects, have a coffee or green tea before doing 30-40 minutes of cardio. However, be careful, as stress can have a negative effect and also lead to burning muscle. Make sure that your stress levels are low and that you’re well-rested.” Coffee has more uses than just waking you up when you’re feeling sleepy!

Endorphins

“The early morning sunshine and exercise in general, releases endorphins, improving your mood for the whole food and combatting stress,” says RJ. “Endorphins are produced by the central nervous system and the pituitary gland, and are “a morphine-like substance originating from within the body. So they are similar to the morphine and opioid substances aka euphoria and inhibit the transmission of pain signals. Endorphins regulate periods, control appetites, body temperature and sleep. Beta-endorphins are released during the workout, which is why we feel good during the day after exercise. They can also reduce anxiety, stress, anger levels and the perception of pain. That’s why athletes can train longer.”

Metabolism

“Adrenaline and noradrenaline are activated during a workout,” explains RJ. “This will increase your metabolism for the rest of the day, meaning you will burn more calories. This should make you feel hungrier, which is a good thing. Make sure you have a healthy breakfast by planning it in advance.” Exercising first thing in the morning can set your whole day into motion by making it easier for you to discern between being hungry or just feeling the need to eat out of boredom. Restricting yourself to the point where you’re starving is never advisable. Your body knows when it’s hungry, so fuel it healthily!