The important reason you should go to the gym immediately after waking up

Gains wait for no man or woman.

If you're in the gym this month, like every other human on the planet, then you may consider getting there bright and early - and not just to avoid the crush.

There are actually a few benefits to rising so early to work out.

We've done a little research around the web and here's what we found:

1. You'll be sharper in the morning

Your mental faculties will be at peak performance after a work out.

Exercising can boost your mental acuity for four to 10 hours afterwards, due to the increased flow of oxygen-rich blood to the brain.

It'll make your 9am meeting a breeze. Or at least not as draining.

2. You'll be more disciplined

Discipline is a habit and if you force yourself to a gym early doors, you'll likely force yourself to do more of the things you should but have been shirking.

Baby steps, but you'll get there.

While we're talking about discipline, try to have some light food before you work out, allowing some time for digestion.

Working out on an empty stomach may put your body into a catabolic state, and isn't a great idea.

3. You'll build muscle faster

Morning workouts will build muscle faster, thanks to your hormones.

Personal trainer Keith McNiven, from Right Path Fitness, told The Sun:

You're taking advantage of these naturally circulating hormones, as they're peaking, rather than later in the day when they're lower.

So get cracking.

4. You'll get to bed earlier and have better sleep schedules

There's no better way to ensure you're tired by the time bedtime rolls around than a morning workout. You'll feel peppy during the working day, and appropriately tired at night.

Regular exercise also encourages regular sleep patterns, so you're more likely to get appropriate quality rest.

Just make sure you're hitting the hay early so your alarm doesn't feel too painful in the morning.

5. Your diet may improve

Research has previously showed that morning workouts can improve sleep, acuity and productivity, but they also show that a morning workout can improve diet and exercise habits in general, according to nutrition consultant Elle Penner.

We're unsure whether this is because committing to a morning workout probably means you're serious enough about fitness to monitor your diet as well.

Either way, go with the crowd and play the odds game.

6. It becomes part of your routine.

You avoid decision fatigue about whether to go to the gym after you get home in the evening. It simply becomes your routine.

If your intent is to make it habitual, there's no better way to ensure it sticks.

HT News.com.au

More: This is why you shouldn't work out on an empty stomach