Gut busting Cardio Before the Rooster Crows – The Benefits!

Fitness & Exercise

There has been controversy circling around cardio and the intervals of day that we should do cardio for years now. Just by browsing the web on health and fitness forums, you can easily find quarrels and heated debates as to when you should perform your cardio routine. I personally am a little less critical and believe that there are benefits to doing cardio before breakfast and later in the day. Although I do think there are greater benefits early before your first meal. I will take a little time and explain what I have learned from experience and others.

If you are an early riser and can manage to pull yourself from bed to put on your running sneakers and hit the pavement, then you are already ahead of the game. Many just can’t find the motivation to jump up before sun up to start running, swimming etc… I have to admit it wasn’t easy for me at first either, just like everything it takes a few days for your body to adjust. Some of the best benefits are:

1. Running in the cool morning allows you to feel refreshed and energetic, along with water can help prevent cramps and discomfort. Nothing beats watching the sun rise to start the day, not only does it rejuvenate the body but also rejuvenates the mind, Everything these days is so technologically focused that we fail to see the most majestic things around us that come natural and are free.

Imagine the sounds of nature and your heart beat as your run, free therapy to start the day. This will help to release pleasant endorphins which will give a positive outlook on the day to come. Look at it from this perspective, how do you feel when you wake up…rush to get the kids ready, rush to get ready for work and speed to barely make it on time? So many Americans actually have a morning regimen very similar to the one described. Rising early, running and showering with a little time before the rest of your family wakes, sounds a lot less stressful, does it not?

2. Running before you consume your breakfast allows you to start the day with a negative calorie deficit, the body fast all night and typically has depleted all glycogen reserves from your muscle tissue. By exercising before consuming carbohydrates you are not adding new foods to be converted into glucose, once the body uses all the glucose reserves than it focuses on burning fat reserves for energy.

From personal results, I recommend running or jogging at least 30 minutes to give the body ample time to burn through the remaining glucose and start burning fat. Some professionals recommend drinking a high protein low carb drink before the run to help sustain energy; I have done this but see no great benefit. However, everyone’s body responds differently and you should try different things to find out what your body responds to best. Many health professionals believe that there is one way and it’s the right way, that’s just not my philosophy.

3. Time – Time is often not our friend, in such a busy and hectic life, who has the time to exercise? This excuse is used more frequently than any other. By waking early, you can eliminate this excuse period. Just waking up 45 minutes earlier each day will supply you with sufficient time to get through your cardio and do so effectively.

I can only give my insight and recommendations; you have to be proactive and try it and see how your body responds. Be sure to post your results and share your thoughts.