All good health plans suggest a certain amount of exercise as part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle, so let’s go through the 5 benefits of jogging in the morning. The truth is that as much as we mean to add exercise to our days, it can sometimes seem overwhelming, scary or even dull. Finding ways to make exercise fun and exciting takes some planning.
Still, it isn’t impossible- those who do it will attest to the many benefits of adding something as simple as a morning jog to their routine- and there are scientifically proven pros of getting the fresh morning air into your lungs!
Besides adding exercise for fat burning, jogging in the morning can improve circulation and help your mood – and it gets the day started correctly!
And yes, jogging in the morning has unique benefits compared to jogging at any other time of the day!
Here are some of the awesome benefits and advantages you give your body and mind when you add a morning jog to your routine.
What Is The Difference Between Walking, Jogging, And Running?
Walking is the natural pace at which we use our legs to move around. The heart rate stays steady, and we hardly break a sweat – although, don’t be fooled, walking is a great way to get the movement and steps in. Jogging is sustained running or trotting at a steady but slower pace than running. It is much slower than running but quite a bit faster than walking. The primary purpose of jogging is to maintain your tempo without causing much strain to the body, says Parenting. It also consumes much less energy than running – but it gets the heart rate up and the joints oiled.
1. The Lungs Get Fresh Morning Air
The morning air is known to be cleaner and fresher than later in the day. It has fewer pollutants as most people have been indoors in the evening, and most factories, industrialised plants, and manufacturers were halted for production overnight. In the morning, fewer people, traffic emissions and even noise pollution can help you tune into nature, says US sports. Jogging early in the mornings is a serene way to wake up your body and feel your heartbeat to a new day.
Breathing in the clean air has proven to improve concentration and productivity, help slow the process of skin ageing, improve eczema and hives symptoms, alleviate allergies and asthma, and even improve your sleep quality.
2. Improved Sleep
If you struggle to fall asleep in the evening, you will definitely benefit from jogging in the morning. Studies suggest that morning joggers spend more time in deep sleep than those who work out later in the day. This could be attributed to the routine of getting up early and active immediately.
You are also using up any extra energy – by the end of a long day you are ready to close your eyes and get some REM!
Early risers are early sleepers!
3. Improved Bone And Joint Strength
Jogging maintains and can even improve bone health. At first, you may feel as if your bones and joints are aching from the extra stress – but that is short-lived. As you build up your strength and stamina, you will build muscle – and strengthen the bones in your arms and legs, the hips and the spine. The stronger your bones, the less prone you are to bone trauma and injuries. Jogging improves the bone thickness and wards off bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
It is a myth that running and jogging are bad for joints. Interestingly, joggers are less likely to develop joint problems – runners are more likely to be physically fit and carry less midline weight (weight around the abdomen area that is attributed to obesity and diseases like diabetes). This means that runners and joggers are usually lighter on their feet, putting less strain on the joints.
4. Create Consistency And Routine
As mentioned above, getting into a routine early in the morning can add structure to your day. You might be too tired to get home and commit to exercise at night, so starting the day with jogging is an excellent way around that! You also clear up your evening schedule for socialising and relaxation – plus, beginning the day with a jog helps get the rest of your to-do list going; you’re already pumped up and awake from all that extra endorphins. It can really improve your productivity and mindset.
Early morning exercise gives you both mental and physical stimulation. It increases your alertness and enables you to get out of bed at the right time.
After a good run, more endorphins and adrenaline flow through the body. Endorphins are the feel good hormone that keep your mood elevated and give you motivation to tackle all your tasks with a can-do attitude. Have you ever heard of having a “runner’s high”? Your body literally releases endorphins and adrenaline as a reward for exercising, to carry straight through to bedtime.
Many joggers attest to feeling calmer and rejuvenated after jogging.
5. Speed Up Your Metabolism
Jogging is excellent for weight loss and digestion. Getting active early in the morning will almost ensure a bowel movement by breakfast time. One of two things will happen to the food you eat. Either it is consumed by the body as an energy source or stored as fat. If you want to keep fit or try to lose some weight, you don’t want your body to store up fat, says Lifeline.
Moreover, a morning jog will boost your metabolism, helping your body burn calories throughout the day. It also means that you will likely feel hungry after you finish. Most people prefer to eat after a jog to replenish nutrients and give the body the proper fuel to keep going. Be sure to eat fresh fruit and drink loads of water instead of sugary cereal!
If you want advice on exercise or nutrition, visit one of our Medical Society clinics. We offer advice to all ages for a nominal monthly fee. Find out more today!
