I enjoyed your post. I worked out in the mornings (up at 5AM, in the gym by 6AM) and still made it to work by 8:00AM. This was possible because I showered and got ready at the gym and packed up all my stuff the night before – it was a great routine and I definitely felt great for the rest of the day. However, recently, I got the idea to try evenings (after work) again – and I hate it! I don’t know why I switched – I guess I just wanted to change things up but I’m going back to the mornings tomorrow. I feel a sense of dread now knowing that after work I have to lift weights or run. Working out in the morning affords you the ability to clear your head and exercise with a clear conscience.

One last thing: please note that it is extremely important to EAT BEFORE YOU WORKOUT IN THE MORNING. The author here says not to and work out on an empty stomach. I used to be in that camp but can tell you from several weight training articles that this is not the case – you will not burn fat – you will lose muscle. The human body will tap into the first non-essential store of energy it has, which is muscle. If you think about how humans evolved, think of the times we had to fast and go hungry between meals. After fasting, your body will break down muscle because there is much more of it – fat is an essential nutrient that helps brain function, etc. Your body will use fat last – not first. This is why you still see tons of “fat” people who can’t understand why they don’t lose weight by not eating. The pre-workout meal doesn’t have to be big. It just has to contain a nominal amount of protein to stop muscle loss and some good fast-acting carbs – like fruit. Try drinking a glass of milk or a small protein shake with some fruit before your workout and you’ll thank me later.

I have only recently began doing morning workouts, and I can tell you that there are few things more refreshing than a quick morning jog. Even on my lazier days, I’ll manage to conjure up enough energy to at least go for a brisk 20-minute walk.

I find that it leaves me feeling very fresh for the rest of the day and it certainly breaks the monotony of my sedentary job.

I’ve only been doing morning runs for a few months now, but the progress I have made since starting is staggering. I use a free program called Fit Click that allows me to track my workouts (and diet!) and the time/distance ratio for my workouts is only growing.

I even noticed the smells are different in the morning. Fresh, clean and crisp.

Thanks!

I also wanted to tell you thought my wife and I have been drinking Apple Cider Vinegar since we’ve read your post on that. I notice a little difference but my wife really does. She swears by it for her allergies.

I got sluggish in the cold. If you visit my blog http://safespacecoaching.blogspot.com you will see that I have started a new routine. One which involves getting up early to do morning exercise.

Great post! I completely agree with a morning session. It wakes you up in a nurturing way and the delight of having completed a workout before others rise is hard to beat.

The main thing for me, aside from the obvious health and fitness benefits, is the confidence and self-belief that comes from learning to continually follow through on a promise to myself. I find this mindset gradually travelling into other aspects of my life as well which is pretty cool.