Earlier this term, we opened our first new gym in over 20 years! Located in Hiatt Baker, the largest hall of residence at the University, students living in this accommodation can now keep active more conveniently. However; whether you live near a gym or not, exercising in all forms in the morning and evening has many benefits! In this week’s blog, our Facilities and Operations Manager, Gordon Aitken, discusses these physical, mental and emotional benefits.
Incorporating sport and physical activity into your daily routine, particularly at the start and end of the day, can offer numerous physical, mental, and emotional benefits. Whether you’re a morning exerciser, an evening athlete, or both, there are distinct advantages to scheduling workouts during these key times of day. This is the beauty of the new gym that has opened this term at Hiatt Baker, enabling busy students to best incorporate being active into their lives.
Benefits of Morning Exercise
Starting the day with physical activity can set a positive tone for the rest of the day. Morning workouts offer an excellent opportunity to boost energy levels and enhance mental clarity, helping you tackle daily tasks with more focus and determination.
😀 Improved Mood
One of the main benefits of exercising in the morning is the surge in endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones. These hormones help reduce stress and improve mood, promoting a positive outlook on the day ahead. This early energy boost can also increase productivity, as a morning workout activates the brain and prepares the body for the challenges of the day.
💪 Boosted Metabolism
Working out in the morning can jumpstart your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories throughout the day.
😴 Improved Sleep
Over time, morning exercise can help regulate sleep patterns as well. Since physical activity promotes better sleep quality, starting the day with a workout can reinforce your natural circadian rhythm, helping you fall asleep more easily at night.
⌚ Helps to Establish a Routine
For those with busy schedules, exercising in the morning ensures that workouts are prioritised before other responsibilities take over. It can also help establish a routine, making it easier to stick to your fitness goals.
Benefits of Evening Exercise
On the other hand, evening workouts provide an effective way to unwind after a long day.
😌 Relaxation and Calmness
For many, working out in the evening serves as a stress reliever, offering a mental break from work, family, or other responsibilities. Physical activity reduces levels of cortisol, the body’s stress hormone, allowing for a sense of relaxation and calm after exercise.
🏋️♀️ Improved Strength and Endurance
Exercising in the evening can also improve strength and endurance, as body temperature is typically higher later in the day, making muscles more flexible and reducing the risk of injury. Some people may find that they have more stamina during evening workouts, leading to better performance and increased workout intensity.
😴 Promote Better Sleep
Furthermore, evening physical activity can help clear the mind, improve mood, and promote better sleep. Contrary to the belief that exercising late may disrupt sleep, studies have shown that moderate evening exercise can enhance sleep quality by lowering stress and anxiety levels.
🕒 More Time to Reach Your Fitness Goals
For those who struggle to fit in morning workouts, the evening can offer a convenient alternative. With the day’s tasks completed, there’s often more time to focus on fitness goals without feeling rushed.
Hiatt Baker
The new gym at Hiatt Baker allows students to choose to exercise in the morning, evening, or both, the key is consistency. Both time slots offer unique benefits that can improve your physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life. By making sport and physical activity a part of their daily routine, they can enhance your fitness levels and support better sleep, reduced stress to lead a more productive, balanced lifestyle.
The construction of the new gym in photos:
