The sweat drips down the faces of young teens sprinting around the track as the early morning sun rises in the east. For some, their breathing is labored as they round each turn. Others might be questioning the need for this rigorous morning workout.
They may be complaining, but they know they will feel better physically and mentally when they are done.
Pretty much every athlete on a sports team at Notre Dame will have early morning workouts. The early part is no joke. Morning training for many teams starts at 6 a.m.
These workouts include exercises and drills specifically designed for the particular sport an athlete plays, but you can be sure that lifting weights and doing laps around the track come into play as well.
Early morning workouts are challenging and going to these workouts take dedication and discipline, but it can be a healthy part of your daily routine.
Ashley Rodriguez ‘26, a member of the women’s basketball team, said, “One of the things I appreciate most about being on the basketball team is the early track runs. As much as it can be exhausting, it makes me feel more energized for the school day ahead.”
Rodriguez’s teammate, Kaya Kirtman ’27 shares some additional benefits.
“The 6 a.m. practices my team has are beneficial in order to have more time for homework after school. I can get my schoolwork done then get to bed at a decent hour, while still getting a good practice in.”
Early morning practices can make student athletes more alert and effective. They will perform better in their sport but will also perform better in school.
According to healthline.com, working out daily has many benefits, but a morning workout offers many additional benefits.
“Exercising in the morning may have health benefits, including improved sleep and better focus throughout the day, among others.” Some of the additional benefits include: 1) a higher likelihood of making healthier food choices during the day, 2) increased alertness, 3) more overall energy, 4) improved mood, 5) a potential increase in overall activity during the day, 6) blood glucose control, and 7) blood pressure management.
At Notre Dame, early morning practices are one of the most essential parts of showing commitment to being on a sports team. You need to be at these workouts to be a better competitor and teammate.
But even if you are not currently participating on a team, working out in the morning is something more people should consider doing more consistently.
“Working out in the morning can be a great habit to get into. Whether you’re a night owl considering the advantages of early morning workouts, or an early bird looking to optimize your morning routine, [you should] learn more about how moving your body first thing in the morning can unlock a more energetic, productive, and healthier you.” (calm.com)
But just like any endeavor that we plan to undertake, you need to consider when you are most likely to do it, what you are able to do.
While there is much evidence to support a morning workout, healthline.com advises: “When it comes to exercise, the best time of day to get in a workout session is one that you can do consistently. Everyone is different. The ‘right’ time depends on factors like your preference, lifestyle, and body.”
The same is true about the nature of your morning workout. Not everyone can do a three-mile run in the morning or endure a one-hour cardio class first thing in the morning (or in the evening). Choose your daily workout wisely, and you will stick with it.
Don’t wait to get started, Knights. You can begin to experience the benefits of a morning workout as early as tomorrow. Make the commitment to becoming healthier in body and in mind.
