The Right Time

Relax.  Push-ups don’t have to be done like a Marine in training.  Push-ups can be done at all levels of fitness.  Kneeling is good, but leaning against a railing can start a routine of push-ups.  The best results come from doing it slowly, about 5-10 seconds down and the same to push up.

Jack LaLanne maintains the best exercise for overall fitness is repeatedly getting down on the floor and getting up.  It uses virtually all the muscles as well.
 

2.      It helps you really wake up.  If you open your eyes, wash your face, throw some clothes on and shuffle out the door, are you awake?  Your body is still in sleep mode and your mind is foggy.  Do you forget things you wanted to bring with you today?  Enough said.

Exercise has residual benefits of raising your metabolism and burning a few extra calories after you finish as your body continues to burn oxygen.  The important benefit is that your mind and metabolism are awake and ready for the day.  And that mind-sharp feeling will last.
 

3.      It gives your brain what it really craves.  What your brain craves first thing in the morning is oxygen.  You have slept the night more or less perfectly still.  Now, you get up and move around and your brain quickly uses up its reserves.  Instead of oxygen, we tend to feed it caffeine and maybe a sugared snack a little later.

Science shows that exercise promotes oxygen intake, your brain increases its mental sharpness and keeps it sharp for from four to ten hours after you stop exercising.
 

4.      It enforces sufficient rest.  Many of us tread the line at the limit of necessary sleep.  We are inclined to push as much into our lives as possible, and that includes staying up later and getting less sleep than we should. 

We all have circadian rhythms, regulating our body and mind on a daily schedule.  Cheating on our ‘down’ time means our minds are making decisions slower and our bodies are conserving energy.

Conserving energy means we expend fewer calories that interfere with weight loss.  Time spent sleeping is a supporter of sufficient rest that leads to energy, sharpness and a positive outlook.

Do the daily math.  Make sure you have ample rest to prepare for your next busy day.  Give up that last TV show or anything that will interfere with your schedule. 

Since we are subject to our circadian rhythms, set a strict bedtime and keep to it.  Get up when the alarm rings.  Perform your exercise routine, even if only for a few minutes at first.  Your body will soon get used to the new schedule and you will wake without the alarm, feeling rested and looking forward to your routine.
 

5.      Science shows that exercising in the morning helps you sleep better at night.  Exercising in the evening stimulates your body and mind, making it more difficult to calm down and drift into restful sleep. 

Exercising stimulates your body and mind.  When you are trying to wind down to go to bed for some restful sleep is the wrong time to turn to exercise.  Stimulating your body and brain will prevent sleep, which will cause our bodies and brains to conserve energy, which will conserve calories.
 

Exercise is good for stimulating metabolism and keeping muscles firm, and for every pound of muscle you gain, you will burn an extra 50 calories per day.  It doesn’t seem like much, but a daily deficit of 500 calories will result in a one-pound loss every week. 

Make the best use of your time and have good morning.
Command a vital life. Live today.