Is It Best To Do Cardio First Thing In The Morning

If you are someone who is trying to incorporate cardio into your daily routine, you might be wondering when the best time to do it is. While there are a lot of different opinions on this topic, many people suggest doing cardio first thing in the morning. In this article, we will explore the reasons why this might be the best option for you, as well as some tips on how to get started.

Table of Contents

1. Why Do Cardio First Thing in the Morning?
2. How to Incorporate Morning Cardio into Your Routine
3. Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Morning Cardio Routine
4. Tips for Making the Most of Your Morning Cardio
5. The Solution to Consistently Doing Morning Cardio
6. Frequently Asked Questions
7. Pros and Cons of Doing Cardio First Thing in the Morning

Why Do Cardio First Thing in the Morning?

There are many reasons why people suggest doing cardio first thing in the morning. Here are a few of the most common:

Increased Metabolism

Doing cardio in the morning can help increase your metabolism for the rest of the day. When you exercise, your body burns calories, and this process can continue for several hours after your workout is over. By doing cardio in the morning, you can kickstart this process early and enjoy the benefits all day long.

More Consistency

When you exercise in the morning, you are less likely to skip your workout. If you wait until later in the day, you might get busy with other things or feel too tired to exercise. By doing cardio first thing in the morning, you can ensure that you get your workout in before anything else has a chance to interfere.

Improved Sleep

Exercising in the morning can also help improve your sleep. Regular exercise has been shown to improve the quality and duration of sleep, and doing it in the morning can help regulate your body's natural sleep-wake cycle. By getting up and moving first thing in the morning, you can help set yourself up for a good night's sleep later on.

How to Incorporate Morning Cardio into Your Routine

Now that we've talked about some of the benefits of doing cardio first thing in the morning, let's talk about how you can actually make this a part of your routine.

Start Small

If you are new to exercise or haven't done cardio in a while, it's important to start small. Begin with just a few minutes of easy exercise, such as brisk walking or light jogging. As you get more comfortable, gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts.

Choose an Activity You Enjoy

It's also important to choose an activity that you enjoy. If you hate running, don't force yourself to do it just because you think it's the best form of cardio. Instead, try different activities until you find something that you look forward to doing.

Get the Right Gear

Investing in the right gear can also make a big difference in your morning cardio routine. Make sure you have comfortable shoes, breathable clothing, and any necessary equipment, such as a fitness tracker or heart rate monitor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Morning Cardio Routine

If you're ready to start doing cardio first thing in the morning, here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

Step 1: Set a Goal

Start by setting a goal for what you want to achieve with your morning cardio routine. This could be anything from running a 5k to simply feeling more energized throughout the day.

Step 2: Plan Your Workouts

Next, decide how often you want to exercise and what activities you want to do. Write down a plan for the week, including the days and times you will work out and what exercises you will do.

Step 3: Prepare the Night Before

Before you go to bed, make sure you have everything you need for your morning workout. Lay out your workout clothes, fill up your water bottle, and have any necessary equipment ready to go.

Step 4: Set Your Alarm

Set your alarm for the time you want to wake up and make sure you give yourself enough time to exercise, shower, and get ready for the day.

Step 5: Start Slowly

Start your morning workout with a few minutes of gentle exercise, such as walking or light jogging. Gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Morning Cardio

Here are a few additional tips to help you get the most out of your morning cardio routine:

Stay Hydrated

Make sure you drink plenty of water before, during, and after your workout to stay hydrated.

Eat a Small Snack

Eating a small snack before your workout can help give you the energy you need to exercise. Try something like a banana or a handful of nuts.

Stretch Afterwards

Take a few minutes to stretch after your workout to help prevent soreness and injuries.

The Solution to Consistently Doing Morning Cardio

If you struggle with consistency when it comes to exercise, there are a few things you can do to help make morning cardio a habit:

Find an Accountability Partner

Partnering with someone who has similar fitness goals can help keep you motivated and accountable. Try finding a workout buddy or joining a fitness class.

Reward Yourself

Set small rewards for yourself each time you complete a week's worth of workouts. This could be anything from treating yourself to a massage to buying a new workout outfit.

Track Your Progress

Keep track of your workouts and progress over time. Use a fitness app or journal to record your workouts, and celebrate your achievements along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Do I need to eat breakfast before my morning workout?

A: It's not necessary to eat a full breakfast before your morning workout, but you should have a small snack to give you some energy. Try something like a banana or a handful of nuts.

Q: How long should my morning cardio workouts be?

A: The length of your morning cardio workouts will depend on your fitness level and goals. Start with just a few minutes and gradually increase the duration over time.

Q: What if I'm not a morning person?

A: If you're not a morning person, it might take some time to get used to exercising early in the day. Try gradually shifting your bedtime and wake-up time earlier until you are comfortable waking up early for your workout.

Pros and Cons of Doing Cardio First Thing in the Morning

Pros:

• Increased metabolism
• More consistency
• Improved sleep

Cons:

• Difficult to wake up early
• May be more difficult to fit into a busy schedule
• May require more preparation and planning

Overall, there are many benefits to doing cardio first thing in the morning. By following the tips and advice in this article, you can successfully incorporate morning cardio into your daily routine and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.