Set your alarm an hour earlier this summer and discover a whole new world of wellness
![Reclaim Your Mornings!](https://magarticles.magzter.com/articles/494/353053/5d033f29d1e7a/Reclaim-Your-Mornings.jpg)
How do you start your day? Do you spring out of bed, raring to go for a run? Or do you groggily hit the snooze button, ending up late to work for the sake of a few extra minutes in bed? If it’s the latter, you’re missing out on what many wellbeing experts say is the key to a happy, successful life – the early-morning ritual.
It’s no coincidence that many of the world’s most famous high-fliers start their day hours before most of us are awake. In a world that never stops, rising early is often the only way they can enjoy uninterrupted ‘me time’ and get ahead with their day. Apple’s Tim Cook wakes at 3.45am to deal with emails before heading to the gym at 4.30am. Michelle Obama works out at the crack of dawn before tackling her inbox, and Jennifer Aniston rises at 4.30am when working, for meditation, a Spin session, and yoga. Indeed, super-achievers’ early-morning rituals usually involve some form of exercise. And, as word has spread of the benefits, the early-bird trend has started to grow. From sunrise yoga classes to crack-of-dawn runs, early-morning workouts are everywhere.
EARLY-BIRD BENEFITS
You can always spot an early-morning exerciser – they’re the person emanating a virtuous, post-workout glow from their desk as everyone else shuffles wearily into the office. And there’s a good reason for early birds to feel smug – scientific studies show they do, indeed, catch the worm. According to a study from Bristol University, if you exercise first thing, your concentration levels at work may rise by as much as 21 percent,
your productivity can skyrocket by 41 percent and your risk of burnout goes down. Morning workouts also help kickstart your metabolism and aid a good night’s sleep.
This story is from the August 2019 edition of Health & Fitness.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2019 edition of Health & Fitness.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
![Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/494/387731/5e20bc19a05e7/crp_HELP-Ive-missed-a-workout.jpg)
Is It Ok To Skip The Gym Tonight
Too busy, tired or stressed to work out? Stop feeling guilty, sometimes it’s ok to skip a session. Here’s why...
![How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/494/387731/5e20b4a94c57c/crp_GETconnected.jpg)
How To Turn Your Home Into A Smart Gym
Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you
![Ski, Hike, Bike](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/494/387731/5de116eaca0f4/crp_Ski-Hike-Bike.jpg)
Ski, Hike, Bike
H&F writer Sheila Reid gets active in Val d’Isère on a luxury snow adventure
![We're Talking To… Vick Hope](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/494/387731/5de11c0000d52/crp_Were-Talking-ToVick-Hope.jpg)
We're Talking To… Vick Hope
The TV presenter and Capital FM DJ talks about what makes her feel truly alive
You Have Got Time T0 Run
Is the festive season taking a toll on your training? Follow these tips to squeeze in your workouts, no matter how busy you are
![Soothe Xmas Stress](https://reseuro.magzter.com/100x125/articles/494/387731/5de108df68d7e/crp_Soothe-Xmas-Stress.jpg)
Soothe Xmas Stress
Feeling far from festive? Follow this four-step plan to find support
Rest & Restore
It’s the most stressful – sorry, wonderful – time of the year. So now more than ever, it’s important to take time out to relax and rejuvenate. Luckily, there’s a whole host of new ways to do just that...
Me And My Workout Buddy
The winter months can really zap your exercise motivation, but these three women have a workout pal who inspires them to stay fit all year-round
I'm Building A Fitness Empire!
From reality star to sportswear designer, Gabby Allen is on a mission to help you look and feel fab
Get Connected
Don’t want to schlep to the gym to get your exercise RDA? The latest breed of connected machines will bring studio workouts to you