Morning Momentum

How a well-timed workout can help you get fit and fight cancer.
Looking for new ways to reach your fitness goals in 2011? Shifting your workout to the morning hours will increase your chances of success, experts say.  “You get your workout in before other distractions can intrude,” explains Cedric Bryant, PhD, chief exercise physiologist with the American Council on Exercise. “Once the day gets going, it’s hard to get off the treadmill called life.”

Sleep better – and reach your best weight
Morning exercisers sleep better, a benefit that also helps with weight loss. In a study of women aged 50 to 75, those who exercised in the morning slept better than those who worked out less. Evening exercisers had more trouble falling asleep, even when they were just as active as the morning group. Good sleep regulates the hormonal balance that governs appetite, study authors note. A brisk morning workout also helps rev your metabolism and inspires you to make better food choices throughout the day, lending even more support for your fitness goals.

Did You Know?  Research shows that regular exercise helps reduce cancer risks. In fact, half of all cancers can be prevented by staying trim, eating wisely, working out often and avoiding tobacco.
Find tips and tools for prevention at cancer.org/healthy.