The 20-Minute Energizing Morning Workout That’s Better Than Caffeine
Not buying it? Tons of research has found that exercise is energizing. In an analysis of 70 studies, 90 percent found that sedentary people who completed a regular exercise routine improved their energy levels, whether they were healthy or had chronic illnesses. In some cases, exercise was a better treatment for fatigue than narcolepsy drugs, and one study found that walking raised energy more quickly than caffeine.
Sweat and a little superpower go hand in hand, clearly, so meet your most revitalizing workout ever.
The wake-up workout: Part 1
Time: 12 minutes
Equipment: 15-pound dumbbells
Good for: Total-body strength and cardio
Instructions: These three moves will leave you bright-eyed and ready to take on the day. They were developed by trainer Laura Miranda, DPT, to hit all your major muscle groups. Grab a pair of dumbbells and get going.
Switch-step lunge
How to:
Stand and jump right foot forward and left foot back; jump again, switching feet. With right leg back, lower into a lunge. Pause for 2 seconds. Jump up to stand, repeat two fast switch steps, leading with left foot. Lower into a lunge with left foot back. Repeat.
Fuel properly:
Youll get more of a boost if you start your workout with some food in the tank. If youre training early a.m., look for a carb thats easily digestible and low in fat and fiber. Half a banana can give you energy without causing GI issues before exercise, says WH advisor Amanda Baker Lemein, RD. Post-workout, recover with something like an RxBar, which has a combo of carbs, protein, and fiber to help repair muscles and replenish energy stores. That way youll walk away feeling refreshed and strong, not depleted.
Drink up:
Athletic performance takes a big hit when youre dehydrated by even 2 percent, says Lemein, who recommends drinking three liters of water a day to stay in peak mode. To keep levels high, bring a 16-ounce water bottle to your workout and try to drink the whole thing in an hour. After, drink until your pee is straw-colored or clear.
Create good vibes:
Taking your workout outside, or at least to a well-lit part of your house or gym, will give you a jolt of alertness, says OConnor. And turn on the tunes: Fast, high-energy music has been shown to increase endurance and power, possibly by acting as a happy distraction and fatigue delayer.
Pick the right intensity for you:
Moderate-intensity exercise is the best energy lifter because it doesnt leave you completely wiped, says research. But high-intensity sessions still work-you just may feel the surge later. If youre doing a tough workout, sweat early enough that you have some extra recovery time before, say, a big meeting.