Have you ever noticed what cats or dogs do first when they wake up? They stretch really well. This natural instinct allows them to improve blood circulation, release muscle tension, increase flexibility and joint mobility, and thus prepare their bodies for movement.
True, we are not animals, but our bodies are often stiff and inflexible after (a night of) rest. Morning exercise helps wake up our muscles and joints, increase blood circulation, and prepare the body for activity, especially if that activity involves an 8-hour desk job.
Why Did I Start Exercising in the Mornings
I started my morning exercises 10 years ago, initially due to back problems. At the time, it was a necessity, and I am sure I would have quickly given up the habit if I didn’t believe it would help alleviate my pain. What started as an obligation became a routine and eventually a way of life. Over the years, I became passionate about safe movement.
As I achieved excellent results with morning exercise, I began to delve into the theory and research what exercises are most suitable for increasing flexibility and mobility. Alongside my education, I developed my own sequence of exercises that are optimal for (my) body. I have compiled them in the video “Essential Morning Exercises,” which you can access for free here.
4 Reasons for Morning Exercising
If pain is not enough motivation for you to start exercising (and I sincerely hope you’re not there yet), let these 4 reasons motivate you:
Reason #1:
As mentioned at the beginning: after a night of rest, our bodies are stiff and inflexible. Exercises wake up our muscles and joints, increases blood circulation, and prepare the body for the active part of the day.
Reason #2:
Regular morning exercises prevent stiffness and reduce the risk of injury. A stiff body adopts a forced posture, muscles begin losing flexibility, and by the time you are thirty, you can barely bend down to the floor, your back hurts, and it’s hard for you to get up from a chair.
Reason #3:
Morning exercises increase energy levels and improve focus. Physical activity releases endorphins, which improve mood and reduce stress. This helps us start the day more energetically and empowered.
Reason #4:
With regular morning exercises, we maintain or even increase muscle mass, thereby strengthening our bones and joints, improving posture, balance, and overall health. This is the recipe for being able to hike, ski, dance, etc., even at 70 years old. 😉
There are even more reasons, I’ve covered only the key ones. The choice of how you live your life is always yours. We usually wait for some pain or illness before we start changing our habits. But why wait? Anyone can find 20 minutes 4-5 times a week, and all you need is a flat floor and enough space to lie down and stretch your arms and legs.
If you have any additional questions or need help and motivation, I am here for you.🤗
You can listen to this blog post here.
