Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu or BJJ for short, is a martial art that has increased in popularity in recent years. However, many BJJ practitioners find it hard to find the time to train regularly. One solution that has gained popularity is training early in the morning. While it may seem difficult to wake up before sunrise, having your BJJ training in the morning offers several benefits that can positively impact both your training and your daily life.
Let us explore the benefits of training BJJ early in the morning, from increased focus and energy throughout the day to improved mental toughness and discipline.
1. Increased Energy and Focus Throughout the Day. Early morning training boosts energy levels. Exercise in the morning increases oxygen and nutrients throughout your body, which can give you an energy boost. Just make sure you are eating enough to fuel your morning practice for optimal performance.
2. Improved Physical and Mental Health. Physical and mental health are closely related. It has long been established that physical activity has many associated mental health benefits. Exercising in the morning enables you to take advantage of improved brain health and cognitive function for the rest of the day.
3. Increased Consistency in Training. When you train first thing in the morning, you are more likely to have less chance of missed training sessions. When the body adapts to these regular morning schedules, it is easier to stay motivated and stick to it. Research has shown that it is easier to stay consistent with morning workouts because you usually have fewer work and social events planned for the morning.
4. Improved Time Management Skills. Discipline is an important part of time management. One of the easiest ways to build discipline is to develop a healthy exercise habit. If you build a good habit in one area such as consistency in the morning, then the benefits spill over to other areas too. When you get used to training early in the morning, then you become more aware of your schedule, plan your day better, and have the resolve to say no to distractions. You will then eventually have more free time in the evening as a result of your better time management.
5. Enhanced Mental Toughness and Discipline. Just like physical muscles, your “mental muscles” need a good workout. If you want to enhance mental toughness, tackle bigger challenges, and overcome more obstacles, you need improved mental strength. A simple accomplishment of overcoming the challenges of early morning training can help build your mental resilience.
6. Improved Sleep Quality. Exercise in the morning helps stimulate melatonin release. According to the National Sleep Foundation, an American non-profit charitable organization, those who exercise regularly report better quality of sleep than those who do not work out. It turns out that although exercise at any time of the day will improve your sleep, morning is the optimal time to get your fitness on for better sleep.