The world is divided between two kinds of people. Some only start to be active late in the morning but can easily continue to work until late at night. Others wake up at dawn without issues but fall asleep already in the early evening. If you are wondering which of the two categories is best, the answer comes from science.
According to a genetic study coordinated by Professor Mike Weedon of the University of Exeter (UK) and published here, those who prefer to postpone their awakening due to attitude and are forced to adjust their biological clock to their daily and social needs - are more likely to develop mental illnesses than those who wake up at dawn. The research, which examined the genetic data of 250,000 subjects, showed that so-called ‘night owls’ would enjoy less psychic well-being and would be 10% more likely to develop schizophrenia when compared to the early risers.
In short, the world seems to be made for the ‘early risers’. We are talking about those who leave their blankets at dawn, as soon as the sun's rays glimpse through the clouds to dedicate some time to themselves, possibly before the frenetic rhythms of daily life kick in.
Good proverbs - Aurora aurum in ore habet or an Italian il mattino ha l’oro in bocca. It may also be for this reason that some of the most powerful and successful men of our time set their alarm even before sunrise to read, meditate, take the dog out and train.
"I train at least three times a week, it's the first thing I do when I wake up", the entrepreneur Mark Zuckerberg explained during a Q&A session on Facebook, unexpectedly stating that he has a busy sports routine.
When? Early in the morning, of course. "Keeping fit is very important to me" – Doing things in the best way possible - like he has to - requires energy and when you are fit and healthy you have much more energy.
The benefits of training at dawn
After all, the benefits of training at dawn are biological. This period of the day is relevant from a performance point of view as it triggers certain mechanisms that allow us to start the day on the right foot and positivity. A 30-minute session of aerobic activity results in the production of endorphins and serotonin which increase the level of concentration and bring benefits to the intellectual capacity.
Exercise increases the levels of serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine and endorphins, all neurotransmitters that fight depression, anxiety and predispose to greater productivity and concentration, says Andrea Vivian, doctor of motor sciences.
It is worth remembering that in the morning your metabolism is more active and your muscles respond better to stimuli. Those who train with the sunrise burn more fat, at least 20% more than those who exercise in the afternoon or evening.
The best sports to practice in the morning
What are the best sports to practice in the morning? The most popular is undoubtedly running, which is good for the heart and the cardio-circulatory system and tones the body. If the weather prevents you from enjoying an outdoor run, heading to the gym for your treadmill can be a more ideal solution for training while listening to your favourite music at home.
Swimming is also an excellent option because it strengthens muscles, improves posture and burns fat.
It shouldn’t be difficult to find a swimming pool open at 6.00 am. The more spiritual ones will surely love to start the day with a bit of yoga. Practising different asanas when nature wakes up helps to connect with the world and prevent sources of stress. Finally, riding a bike through the deserted streets, just before the city wakes up, can be a truly rewarding experience for both body and mind. Cycling uphill, or on short sprints, besides toning the buttocks and legs, speeds up the metabolism and helps to burn fat even after getting off the saddle.