Short Morning Workout Worthwhile?

[RownSurf81]

I'm looking at adding a short routine in the mornings before work. I have trouble getting enough sleep, but usually lay around for 15-20 minutes anyways, so would rather use this time to get a quick workout in to try and boost my energy level a bit. My three realistic options are: dumbbells, body weight routine, or ergometer (rowing machine). I can do all of these in my house without any real hassle. So, my questions are:


1) would ANY 15 minute workout in the morning, right out of bed and before breakfast, be useful;

2) if so, which of these would be most beneficial/least dangerous to my recently awoken body


A bit of background to help answer any follow up questions. I've been very athletic in the past, rowing competitively in high school and college, along with numerous other activities (climbing, surfing, tennis). I've gotten into a bad spot where I'm now way overweight (270 lbs at 6"1') and am trying to get my diet, workouts, sleep patterns, etc back in balance. I still row or get on the erg 3-4 times/week, but need to step it up a bit and also want to add other variety back into my workout. I'd prefer a quick weight routine in the morning since I get cardio at night, but am concerned I'd do myself more harm than good by lifting "cold" and on an empty stomach (I'm bad about eating breakfast, but could make myself eat some fruit or a smoothie on the way to work). So, I'm also open to other options if lifting would be bad. I know there are lots of opinions and even research on fasting vs non-fasting workouts and when the best time to lift is, but really just want some personal experiences on what works. I would appreciate any advice.


Thanks,


Justin

 

[PLB]

1) Personally, whether or not you workout before eating is just a preference and depends on what your body can handle. The evidence for the benefits of exercising before eating breakfast is conflicting at best. And yes, even 15 minutes of exercise is useful!


2) It really depends on your approach. In my opinion, I would focus on light - moderate cardio in the morning and save the resistance training for later in the day when your body is more warmed up. Unless you have time to do a good warm-up before any resistance training in the morning.

 

[Saturn201]

I find the morning as a good time to try and fit some cardio exercise in. I have a lengthy commute to work that doesn't allow for time before breakfast at my place to get exercise. So what I do to account for that is get off the subway 2-3 stops before my work destination. This is about a 1-1&1/2 miles. Granted, I'm dressed for work, so a jog isn't really something I can fit in here, but atleast I'm getting a brisk walk in that gets me 30 mins of cardio in the morning.


In general, you need the proper warmups to do a muscular exercise without risking injury, and I think they are better kept for after work.