Why you should try a morning workout

In recent years, the morning workout trend has gained significant momentum. The appeal is easy to see: a morning workout is a powerful way to kickstart your day with purpose, energy, and a sense of accomplishment. But with the benefits come potential pitfalls—particularly if it means sacrificing precious sleep or burning the candle at both ends. In this post, we’ll dive into the pros and cons of morning workouts, helping you make an informed decision on whether a morning sweat session is the right choice for you.

At CrossFit Kreis 9, we know firsthand how energizing a morning workout can be. In fact, our 6:30 am class has been one of our most popular offerings for almost ten years. Plus, we offer additional morning classes at 7:30 and 10 am on weekdays, so there are plenty of options to fit a morning workout into your routine, whether you’re an early riser or prefer a slightly later start.

Benefits of a morning workout

1. Sets a positive tone for the day

A morning workout sets a positive, energizing tone for the rest of your day. Exercise releases endorphins, which improve your mood and reduce stress levels, leaving you feeling more positive and capable of tackling the day ahead. A morning workout is like a mini accomplishment that can foster a can-do attitude for the rest of your daily tasks.

2. Builds a consistent routine

Morning workouts can help you build consistency in your exercise routine. When you exercise first thing in the morning, there are fewer chances for distractions or unexpected events to interfere with your plans. Plus, many people find that when exercise is “out of the way” first thing in the morning, it’s easier to focus on other priorities later in the day without feeling guilty about missing their workout.

3. Boosts mental clarity and focus

A morning workout has also been shown to improve mental clarity and focus. Physical activity increases blood flow to the brain, leading to heightened cognitive function, memory, and concentration. Whether you’re a student or a professional, this improved mental sharpness can lead to greater productivity, better problem-solving abilities, and enhanced creativity for the rest of the day.

4. Enhances metabolism and energy levels

Exercising in the morning can give a significant boost to your metabolism. Known as the “afterburn effect,” post-workout calorie burning continues throughout the day, helping you maintain a healthy weight and support metabolic health. This effect can be especially beneficial if weight loss or fat burning is one of your fitness goals.

5. Creates time for other priorities in the evening

When you complete your workout in the morning, you free up your evenings for other activities. Whether it’s spending quality time with family, pursuing a hobby, or winding down with a book, having your evenings open can lead to a more balanced, fulfilling lifestyle.

Potential downsides of a morning workout

While morning workouts come with a range of benefits, they may not be ideal for everyone, especially if they disrupt sleep or result in chronic fatigue.

1. Risk of cutting sleep short

One major downside to morning workouts is that they can lead to sleep deprivation if you’re not getting to bed early enough. Sleep is critical for recovery, energy regulation, and mental health, and it plays an essential role in achieving optimal fitness results. If you’re not getting enough sleep to accommodate an early workout, you may experience diminished performance, a slower recovery time, and even an increased risk of injury. It’s crucial to weigh whether an early morning workout is feasible without compromising the seven to nine hours of sleep adults need.

2. Potential to burn out

A morning workout routine may also lead to burnout if it’s not balanced with adequate recovery time. If your schedule involves late nights followed by early-morning workouts, you could find yourself burning the candle at both ends, which can result in fatigue and reduce your motivation to exercise. Maintaining energy levels is key to sustaining a workout routine long-term, so if morning workouts push you toward burnout, an alternative time slot might be better for you.

3. Impact on evening social life

Another less-discussed drawback of early-morning workouts is that they can interfere with your evening plans. If your social life or family time often takes place in the evenings, then a morning workout schedule might mean you’re more likely to miss out on these gatherings, or you may need to leave them early to ensure adequate sleep. This can sometimes make morning workouts feel limiting if you value a more flexible evening schedule.

How to optimize your morning workout

If you’re ready to embrace the benefits of a morning workout while minimizing the potential downsides, a few strategies can help:

1. Prioritize sleep

Ensure you’re getting enough sleep by establishing a regular bedtime that allows for seven to nine hours of rest before your workout. Quality sleep is just as important as exercise for overall health, so making it a priority is essential.

2. Start gradually

If you’re not accustomed to early-morning workouts, start gradually by adjusting your alarm just 15 minutes earlier each day until you reach your desired wake-up time. This can help ease the transition and make your new routine more sustainable.

3. Prepare the night before

Preparation is a game-changer when it comes to morning workouts. Lay out your workout clothes, fill up your water bottle, and plan a light pre-workout snack the night before. The fewer obstacles you have in the morning, the easier it will be to stick to your routine.

4. Focus on quality workouts

The efficiency of a morning workout matters more than its duration. Consider high-intensity interval training (HIIT), strength training, or a brisk 30-minute run to maximize results in minimal time. This can allow you to achieve a fulfilling workout without feeling rushed, even if you have limited time in the morning.

5. Listen to your body

Listen to your body’s signals and allow flexibility in your routine. If you feel fatigued or haven’t slept well, it’s okay to switch up your workout schedule to ensure you’re not overextending yourself. Sometimes, taking an extra hour of sleep will do more for your health than an early workout.

Finding balance: is a morning workout right for you?

While a morning workout can be a powerful way to improve your health, it’s not the only option. For some, mid-day or evening workouts might fit their schedule, energy levels, and social commitments better. If you’re a night owl or have difficulty waking up early, don’t feel pressured to force a morning routine that could compromise your health or well-being.

The key to reaping the benefits of a morning workout is balance. Ensure that you’re maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and paying attention to how your body responds. A balanced approach will help you maximize the rewards of morning exercise while avoiding the risks of burnout and fatigue.

Conclusion

The morning workout trend is here to stay, and for many, it offers an ideal way to boost energy, improve focus, and build a sustainable fitness routine. But it’s essential to approach morning workouts with a realistic perspective. Prioritize your sleep, start gradually, and listen to your body to determine if this time slot works for you.

Ultimately, there’s no “perfect” time to exercise—just the time that fits best with your unique lifestyle, goals, and energy rhythms. So, if you’re curious about a morning workout, give it a try! With our range of morning classes at CrossFit Kreis 9, you’ll have plenty of choices to find a schedule that works best for you. You might discover that those early hours hold the key to a more productive and energized day.

• Erik

About the author:

Meet Erik, a dynamic individual known for his meticulous organization and insatiable curiosity. With a B.Sc. in English Language and Literature and expertise in Regeneration and Nutrition in Sport Science, he’s a master of both words and wellness. As a Level 3 CrossFit Trainer and Gymnastics Specialist, Erik’s journey includes competing at the highest level as a 2019 CrossFit Games Athlete, proving that he’s not just writing his story—he’s living it.