There's a lot of benefits to night running!
Making night time running before bed a routine can be very rewarding. Why is running at night easier, because you will;
- Burn fat
- Improve health
- Relieve stress
The American College of Sports Medicine suggests that individuals who want to achieve the most effective weight loss results should engage in 250 to 300 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
There is an unexplainable feeling about running under the moon and stars that revitalises and empowers you.
Running is a great way to improve your level of fitness and maintain a healthy body. It is an effective method for burning body fat and increasing endurance. However, it's important to remember that everyone's body is different, and what works for one person may not work for another.
Nighttime running is a great way to incorporate running into your routine while avoiding the heat and crowds of the day. However, it's important to keep in mind that running at night requires additional safety precautions, such as wearing reflective clothing and carrying a flashlight.
In addition to a running routine, a healthy diet is also crucial for achieving fitness goals. It's important to fuel your body with nutritious foods to support your running routine and overall health. By finding the right balance of exercise and healthy habits, you can reach your fitness goals and enjoy the many benefits of running.
Nighttime running poses several safety concerns, mainly because of impaired night vision for you and other road users.
However, with the right gear, a long evening run may be just what you need to wind down after a stressful day.
Let's dig into the 4 benefits of night running:
4 Ways Running At Night Is Good For Weight Loss
Benefits of Night Running
| Benefit | Description |
|---|---|
| Improved Cardiovascular Health | Running at night can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease |
| Better Sleep Quality | Night running can help regulate your body's natural sleep cycle, leading to improved sleep quality |
| Reduced Stress | Running can help reduce stress levels, and the quietness and peacefulness of a nighttime environment can further enhance this benefit |
| Enhanced Mental Clarity | Running can help clear the mind and improve focus, which can be particularly helpful after a long day at work |
| Increased Safety | Running in well-lit areas at night can increase safety and reduce the risk of sun damage |
| Cooler Temperatures | Running at night can provide relief from hot daytime temperatures during the summer months |
| Unique Experience | Night running can be a unique and exhilarating experience, providing a change of pace and a chance to explore a different side of your environment |
| Better Focus | Running at night can help you focus better on your surroundings and your running form |
| Better Air Quality | Running at night can provide a break from polluted air during peak traffic hours |
| Increased Flexibility | Night running can provide a more flexible schedule for those who work during the day |
| Opportunity to Socialize | Night running groups and clubs provide a social opportunity to meet like-minded people and exercise together |
Are you interested in ending your evening by logging mileage? There are several reasons to strap on your running shoes and hit the trail at night. This article outlines the top benefits of running in the dark and answers frequently asked questions about the topic, and don't forget the best headlamps for night running!
#1 More Consistent Workouts
Although it is possible to commit to an early morning routine, sometimes the temptation of staying in bed a little longer wins. This isn't the case with evening runs, as you are already awake, and if there is pending work, you can always put it aside and go back to it when your mind is rejuvenated.
Look at night runs as opportunities to pull yourself out of distractions and create some 'you time'.
When you prioritise your nighttime runs, you'll develop a consistent routine, and you all know that consistency is critical to reaching your goals.
#2 Improved Sleep Quality
Running at night results in better-uninterrupted sleep. You'll find it easier to fall asleep. If you are the kind of person that gets tired and falls asleep after running, evening runs are the way to go. To reap the most benefits, schedule your run a couple of hours before bedtime but ensure it isn't too close to bedtime as it may disrupt your circadian rhythms.
#3 Stress Relief
An evening run is the perfect opportunity to release your day's frustrations, stress or tension. You can also use your workout time to formulate a plan for the next day. This way, when you get into bed, you have peace of mind, so you're unlikely to get distracted.
Running lowers blood pressure, releases stress in your muscles, and encourages calmness. When released, endorphins elevate your mood, alleviating depression.
#4 Healthy Habits
Night runners are more likely to make healthier decisions after their run. For instance, you might choose a healthier meal instead of your usual fries and fried chicken. Eating healthy can help you reach your weight loss goals and even make you feel better while running.
A night run can also influence what you drink and eat at dinner. For instance, after a run, you will likely have hydrating drinks like fresh juice and herbal tea instead of alcoholic beverages.
How to Prepare for an Evening Run
Ready for that night run? Here are some tips you’ll find helpful:
Do Not Run on an Empty Stomach
There is a debate surrounding this issue, but it is best to have light, nutritious snacks before starting your run. Snacks that contain protein and complex carbohydrates are a great place to start.
They help regulate your blood pressure and sugar levels, preventing crashes, light-headedness and spikes, which are unsuitable for a healthy training session.
Do Warm-up Exercises
Stretching helps keep your muscles warm and flexible to prevent injuries. You should, however, remember that not all stretches are recommended. According to research, static stretches can reduce muscular growth.
It is, therefore, advisable to stretch dynamically for five to ten minutes before hitting the pavement.
Squares, high-knees and jumping jacks are all ideal for warming up and loosening up before your night run. After the run, butterfly, child’s pose and forward bends will help cool you down.
From Belly Fat to Energy Boost: Unleashing the Benefits of Intense Exercise
Incorporating intense exercise into your exercise habits can have significant impacts on your fitness journey. Intense exercises, such as high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or weight training, can help you burn more calories per day, leading to increased calorie expenditure and potential weight loss.
Additionally, engaging in intense exercise can improve insulin resistance, regulate body temperature, and boost your energy levels, providing numerous health benefits beyond just burning belly fat.
Physical activity, including intense exercises like resistance training or strength training, is a crucial component of a well-rounded fitness routine. Weight training helps build muscle, which in turn increases your resting metabolic rate and enhances calorie burning even when you're not actively exercising.
It also aids in toning and shaping your body, contributing to a leaner physique. By incorporating intense exercise into your night-time running routine, you can optimize your workout sessions and maximize the benefits of physical activity for overall health and fitness.
Morning vs Nighttime Running: Which Is the Best
The good news is that you can run at whatever time of day you want. If you are not a morning person and you've constantly been missing your early runs, consider adjusting your plan.
It is a matter of your preferences alongside other considerations like your schedule and the weather. If your runs are becoming repetitive, schedule them for a new time to switch gears.
Take note of your body's reaction at different hours of the day. You could discover that a low-intensity run is preferable during the evening.
Please remember!
Some runners find that intense workouts are ideal during midday. If you want to take things a notch higher, try running more than once daily.
Consider your busy schedule, weather and preferences and formulate a schedule that works for you.
Create a workout plan to help you achieve your goals, whether you want to lose weight or gain muscle strength.
You can check out red LED lights for night running! Don't forget to check out our guide on why do headlamps have red lights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Nighttime Running Better?
Benefits of running at night include improved sleep quality, stress relief, an active lifestyle and more time. Exercising in the evening also enables you to connect with your social circle and have a more consistent workout plan.
Why Do I Run Better at Night Than in the Morning?
A night run comes with reduced joint pain and injury risks. This is because your movements during the day warm up your body. Besides, your heart function is at its peak performance in the evening, so most people prefer evening runs to early morning workouts.
Is It Better to Run Faster or Longer?
Running faster is more effective as it allows you to burn more calories even if you’re running for a shorter period.
We can't all be morning runners, can we? Ditch that fantasy and begin embracing your natural night owl status. Get up with NightBuddy light solutions and prepare to dominate the streets during your next run. Get in touch with us today.
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