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For many people, finding the right time to exercise can be a challenge. Busy schedules, family commitments, and sheer fatigue often get in the way, making it difficult to prioritize fitness. However, fitness expert Michelle Bridges, known for her expertise as a personal trainer and motivational figure, advocates for early morning workouts as the best way to enhance both physical and mental well-being. According to Bridges, exercising in the morning not only sets a positive tone for the day but also offers a host of health benefits that can improve overall fitness, boost energy levels, and contribute to long-term success in achieving health goals. This essay will explore why morning exercise is the ideal time for working out, drawing from Michelle Bridges’ insights on health and wellness.
Kick-Starting Your Day with Energy and Focus
One of the primary reasons Michelle Bridges emphasizes morning workouts is the way they jumpstart your energy levels for the day. When you exercise in the morning, your body releases endorphins, which are chemicals that trigger positive feelings and reduce the perception of pain. This surge in endorphins leads to what many people refer to as a “runner’s high,” a natural energy boost that lasts throughout the day. Rather than feeling sluggish or groggy as you start your day, morning exercise leaves you feeling refreshed, alert, and ready to tackle whatever comes your way.
Moreover, working out in the morning improves focus and mental clarity. Studies have shown that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, improving cognitive function and mental alertness. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with demanding jobs or academic schedules that require a high level of concentration and problem-solving ability. By engaging in physical activity early in the day, you’re setting yourself up for enhanced productivity and focus, which can positively impact your performance at work or school.
Establishing a Consistent Routine
According to Bridges, one of the key benefits of morning exercise is that it helps create a consistent workout routine. Many people struggle to find time to exercise later in the day because of unexpected events, fatigue, or competing priorities such as work meetings, family obligations, or social events. By committing to exercise first thing in the morning, you avoid these distractions and make physical activity a non-negotiable part of your day. This consistency is crucial for maintaining long-term fitness goals, as regular exercise is essential for building strength, improving cardiovascular health, and sustaining weight management.
Morning workouts also reduce the likelihood of skipping exercise due to fluctuating motivation levels. Later in the day, energy levels tend to dip, and motivation can wane as people become tired or stressed from their daily activities. When exercise is the first task of the day, you’re more likely to complete it before other responsibilities get in the way. This “get it done” approach helps solidify exercise as a daily habit, making it easier to stick to your fitness routine over time.
Boosting Metabolism and Fat Burning
Another reason Michelle Bridges advocates for morning workouts is their positive impact on metabolism. Exercising early in the day can help rev up your metabolism, leading to what is known as the “afterburn effect,” or excess post-exercise oxygen consumption (EPOC). This means that your body continues to burn calories even after your workout is finished, as it works to return to its resting state. When you exercise in the morning, this metabolic boost can help you burn more calories throughout the day, which is particularly helpful for those trying to lose weight or maintain a healthy body composition.
In addition, some research suggests that working out in a fasted state—before eating breakfast—may enhance fat burning. During morning workouts, the body may rely more on fat stores for energy since glycogen (the body’s primary energy source from carbohydrates) levels are lower after an overnight fast. While this approach may not be suitable for everyone, especially those who prefer to fuel their workouts with a light snack, it can be an effective strategy for those focused on fat loss.
Improving Sleep Quality
Another surprising benefit of morning exercise, according to Michelle Bridges, is its ability to improve sleep quality. Many people believe that exercising in the evening will help them sleep better by tiring them out, but studies have shown that late-night exercise can actually interfere with sleep. Physical activity raises the body’s core temperature and stimulates the release of adrenaline, making it harder to fall asleep if done too close to bedtime.
In contrast, morning exercise helps regulate your circadian rhythm, the body’s internal clock that governs sleep-wake cycles. By exercising in the morning, you expose yourself to natural light, which helps reinforce this rhythm and signals to your body when it’s time to wake up and when it’s time to wind down. People who exercise in the morning are often found to fall asleep faster, experience deeper sleep, and wake up feeling more rested compared to those who exercise later in the day. Improved sleep quality has a host of additional benefits, including better mood, enhanced cognitive function, and a stronger immune system.
Building Mental Resilience and Discipline
Working out in the morning can also have profound effects on your mental toughness and self-discipline. For many people, getting out of bed early to exercise requires overcoming a significant mental hurdle. However, by consistently pushing through this challenge and completing your workout, you build a stronger sense of self-discipline and resilience. This mental fortitude extends beyond the gym and can positively impact other areas of your life, such as your career, personal goals, and relationships.
Michelle Bridges emphasizes that starting your day with an accomplishment, like finishing a workout, creates a sense of achievement and confidence that carries throughout the day. It sets a positive tone and reinforces a mindset of productivity and determination. Whether you’re facing a difficult project at work or navigating personal challenges, the mental strength you develop from consistently working out in the morning can help you approach these tasks with a greater sense of purpose and resolve.
Creating a Positive Mindset
One of the often-overlooked benefits of morning exercise is its ability to create a positive and optimistic mindset. Beginning your day with physical activity helps release stress and tension, reducing anxiety levels and promoting a sense of calm. The mood-enhancing effects of exercise, combined with the satisfaction of having completed a workout, can lead to a more positive outlook on the rest of the day.
Michelle Bridges often highlights how morning exercise can serve as a form of “me-time,” where individuals can focus on their physical and mental well-being before the demands of the day take over. This sense of control and self-care can lead to greater emotional balance and a more resilient attitude toward life’s challenges.
