You should ideally wait at least 60 minutes (1 hour) after waking up before working out.
While you can technically work out immediately after waking up, waiting an hour allows your body to adjust and prepare, potentially improving performance and reducing the risk of injury. This aligns your workout with your circadian rhythm, making it more sustainable in the long run if you're aiming for a consistent morning routine.
Here's a breakdown of why waiting is beneficial:
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Body Temperature: Your body temperature is typically lower when you first wake up. Allowing time for it to rise can improve muscle function and flexibility.
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Hormone Levels: Hormones like cortisol are naturally higher in the morning. While cortisol can aid in energy mobilization during workouts, extremely high levels can be counterproductive. A short waiting period allows cortisol levels to regulate slightly.
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Muscle Stiffness: Muscles can be stiff after a night's sleep. Waiting allows time for blood flow to increase and muscles to loosen up, reducing the risk of strains or injuries. A light stretching routine during this wait time is also highly recommended.
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Circadian Rhythm Adjustment: If you're establishing a morning workout routine, giving your body an hour to adjust to being awake can help synchronize your circadian rhythm with your new schedule, making the routine more sustainable.
Therefore, while immediate workouts aren't impossible, waiting at least an hour after waking up provides physiological benefits that can enhance your workout and minimize potential risks.
