A Morning Walk Improves Clarity, Energy Levels, and Muscle Mass

Getting out and moving first thing in the morning is more energizing than coffee and has other healthy perks. (YAKOBCHUK VIACHESLAV/Shutterstock)

A quiet morning routine is a great way to start the day. Read the paper, watch the news, and eat some brekkie while sipping a coffee. Sounds perfect. But before getting to all that, you might want to do this first.

And you might not jump at the idea, but trust me, it works.

There is plenty of research that indicates that getting up and going for a 20- to 30-minute walk to kick off your morning routine can play a big role in health and longevity. So, before settling in, slip on the sneakers and step out.

Morning walks have been found to contribute to more energy throughout the day, improved cognitive function, less stress, better mood, stronger muscles, improved sleep, and more. It might be the best time of the day to get outside and get some exercise. And of course, you’ll get the benefits that more exercise brings like lower blood pressure.

Research has shown, for example, that a 20-minute walk outdoors in the morning leads to more energy and vitality than a walk inside. Another found that 10-minutes on a stair-climber was more energizing than a cup of coffee, indicating that movement stimulates the body and mind. And I can attest to this, as well. I used to start my days with a 30-minute cardio session that left me wide awake and energized until bedtime.

Another study found that older adults who start their day with a morning walk have better cognitive function than those who get up and sit. So, if you want to make better decisions, or perhaps improve memory, a morning saunter should be on the docket.

Now, I don’t have to tell you that getting up and active isn’t exactly the most appealing idea. But the truth is that it is only a 20-minute delay until you can grab the paper and a coffee. Try getting up a little earlier tomorrow and heading out for a walk, you could notice the benefits instantly.

Devon Andre holds a bachelor’s of forensic science from the University of Windsor in Canada and a Juris Doctor from the University of Pittsburgh. This article was first published on Bel Marra Health.