Morning exercises enhance your metabolism, giving your body the chance to burn more calories after your workout. Even doing everyday things will burn more calories when you work out in the morning. It will also give you more energy!
Movement gives you energy and when you start out your day with a little moving around your body and mind are rejuvenated and energized for the coming day.
When you work out in the AM, there is nothing to get in the way or give you a late start.
The consistency of working out first thing in the morning will set your day off right. This practice of starting off your day with a little workout will also help you develop self-discipline.
To start off your day with a simple exercise routine, try some of these workouts. Each of these requires very little space and no equipment. You can even do these in your bedroom before hopping into the shower.
1. Knee Highs
If you’re looking to tone your legs, this is the exercise for you. Start in a standing position with your feet hip-width apart. Place your hands in front of you with palms facing the floor at about belly button height. In a running motion, drive your knees up hitting the palms of your hands. You will be hopping off the ground slightly, this is good! It will help you to engage your abdominal muscles as well.
2. Jogging in Place
This one is pretty self-explanatory. Start with a light jog in place, just lifting your feet a few inches off the ground. Once you’re warmed up, alternate between intense running in place and light jogging. This will help you to boost your heart rate but still have some recovery time. To finish up, bring your heart rate down with a light jog.
3. Calf Raises
Tone those calves with some standing calf raises. In standing position with your feet about hip-width apart, slowly transfer your weight to the balls of your feet as you go onto your tiptoes. Stand tall with your abdominal muscles contracted. Slowly lower back down and repeat the process.
4. Wall Sit
After you work your calves, it’s time to focus on your quads. For an effective wall sit, bend at your hips and knees to form right angles up against a wall. Keep your feet shoulder-width apart. Sit for 30 seconds to a minute. For a little extra burn, try squeezing an exercise ball between your knees.
5. Plank
The plank is a great exercise to engage major muscles in your body and strengthen your core. Start on the floor on your hands and knees. Step back your feet, one at a time, to create a straight line from the top of your head to your feet. Tighten your abs and hold. Try to avoid sagging your hips or having them too high in the air. The goal should be to have your body in a straight line.
