Trying to find time to exercise in between work, school, or other events? Running, lifting, or taking a fitness class during lunch may be a great option for you!

Not only will you be able to exercise during a natural break in your day; you’ll also return to work or running errands with even more energy than before. Here are four benefits of working out during lunch:

1. You won’t have to wake up early or exercise after work.

While it may seem easier to set an earlier alarm or wait until after quitting time to exercise, that could lead to exhaustion and other side effects over time, especially if you don’t get seven to nine hours of sleep each night. In fact, not getting enough rest can cause a higher likelihood of injury, lower immune system, and a greater chance of catching a cold.

By working out during lunch, you’re keeping your wake-up and working hours about the same. This way, you can sleep as much as you can and head home from the office as soon as you’ve finished for the day!

2. You’ll get a real break by stepping away from home or the office.

It’s tempting (and more convenient) to stay at home or the office during lunch, but this can make it hard to unplug from work. But leaving your job or errands behind you for an hour or so can really help you tackle Part 2 of the day with more energy and focus.

As tough as it is, try forgetting about your work or chores! You’ll be able to concentrate on your fitness goals much better if you’re not thinking about your to-do list at the same time. Focusing on your form, counting your reps, or mentally planning your running intensity will help you have a more mindful (and efficient) workout.

3. You can work out quickly in a less crowded gym.

Love exercising but hate fighting for a spot at the gym? Working out during lunch may be the answer you’ve been looking for! Data shows that gyms are the least crowded from 1 to 2pm during the workday, which means you probably won’t have to wait for equipment, a locker, or a shower to open up.

Along with getting in and out of the gym quickly, working out during lunch pushes you to be more efficient in your exercises. When you have to get back to the house or the office within a short amount of time, you can try high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or another tough-yet-quick workout.

4. You’ll have more energy during and after a lunchtime workout.

You’re strongest in the middle of the day, making lunch an ideal time to squeeze in a workout. Experts say this may be due to a higher body temperature in the afternoon, leading to warmer muscles. Whatever the case, you’ll be more alert and ready to move those muscles and sweat it out!

Once you’ve finished your midday workout, you may be surprised to find you have more energy than you did before you got to the gym! That’s because exercise activates the brain’s cortex, helping you refocus your mind on the work or errands you have left for the day.

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By working out during lunch, you’ll save time, get more sleep, and boost your energy. Plus, you can squeeze in quick and effective workouts at the gym without fighting the crowd! We hope you love exercising during your lunch break and taking some much-deserved time away from your errands or work.

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The Lafayette Family YMCA is a community dedicated to healthy living and social responsibility. For more fitness tips and to stay up to date about YMCA events, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram, or visit our website here.