What exercising before 8am does to brain, sleep, waistline…

Experts say morning exercise can improve alertness, fat burning and sleep, as long as it doesn’t come at the cost of rest.

Exercising first thing in the morning can sharpen alertness, boost fat burning and help regulate sleep, experts say. Still, the best workout remains the one people can do consistently.

Asics’ Movement Conservation Report found that people spend 86 per cent of their waking hours not moving. Almost two-thirds of adults say it is easy to go an entire day barely moving at all.

“Morning movement may also help reinforce your body’s internal clock, particularly when combined with daylight,” said David Raichlen, professor at the University of Southern California and co-author of the report.

Dr Adora Yau of Manchester Metropolitan University pointed to research showing that a 60-minute workout before breakfast increased fat oxidation, while exercise after lunch or dinner did not. “You get it out the way, it’s done and you feel good and energised,” she said.

Even so, Raichlen cautioned against cutting rest. “The best workout is one you can fit into your life consistently – without sacrificing the sleep, food and recovery your body needs,” he said.

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