Do you struggle with committing to a new fitness plan or sticking to a New Year’s resolution? While the best times to workout depend on your schedule and your body, most people tend to stick with their routine when they exercise first thing in the morning. There are no last minute work or social obligations to prevent you from skipping the gym. Additionally, a morning workout makes it easier to fall asleep and get a good night’s rest.
Changing your daily routine isn’t easy. It can be difficult to get up early and workout when your bed is nice and warm. However, the results are worth getting up for.
Here are some proven tips to get you motivated and stick with a morning workout routine.
Get your bag ready before bed.
Choose your gear for the next day’s work out. Decide if you need a yoga mat, running shoes, or non-slip socks for a Barre class. Keep your basic essentials, such as soap, deodorant, body wipes, hair ties, combination lock, etc., packed in a toiletry bag in your gym bag. Having your go-to items ready eliminates excuses.
Prep your workout clothes.
Have your gym clothes out and ready so you aren’t searching for what you need. Lay them out with the appropriate shoes so you can get dressed and out the door.
Go to bed early.
Try to get 7 or 8 hours sleep in order to feel well rested. This will make it easier to get up for that sunrise class or run.
Move your alarm clock out of arm’s reach.
Put your alarm clock on the opposite side of the room so you have to get up to shut it off. After you silence the alarm, grab the workout clothes that you prepped the night before and get dressed.
Have a delicious breakfast ready.
Knowing that a healthy and yummy breakfast is ready to eat makes for a less hectic morning. Avocado Mango Green Smoothie is delicious before or after a workout. It’s full of nutrition, but light enough that it won’t weigh you down.
Wake up your senses.
Wake yourself up with bright lights, music, and a splash of cold water on your face. You’ll be less tempted to crawl back to bed once your senses are awake.
Have an exercise buddy waiting.
Find a workout buddy or join a regular morning exercise class. You’re less likely to let a friend or group down by skipping your fitness date.
Visualize and track your goal.
If your goal is to lose weight, choose a number that is reasonable, then break it into segments. Losing five pounds in a month is an achievable goal. Track your progress with regular weigh-ins or use a tape measure to see inches lost. This could be the motivation you need to get up and get going.
Work with a trainer or coach.
A personal trainer or coach can help you reach your goals in the most efficient way possible. They help keep you focused and motivated. We offer athletic training in addition to physical therapy. Please contact us for more information.
Get caffeinated
Caffeine will give you an early morning energy boost and will help keep your brain engaged. Set your coffee maker to brew just before you wake up to help rev you up. Not a coffee drinker? Tea works just as well.
Think about how you’ll feel afterwards.
Before you go to sleep, think about your workout and how you’ll feel after it’s completed. You’ll be more eager to get up and go in the morning.
Walk or run with a dog.
Dogs are creatures of habit and will remind you that it’s time to go out. Your furry friend needs the exercise and you’ll both be better off with a regular workout.
Commit to your routine.
Even if you aren’t motivated to workout, get ready and go anyway. Commit to working out for at least 15 minutes. Then, once you’re moving, you will find the will to keep going.
Reward yourself.
Reward yourself for sticking to your routine or reaching a fitness milestone. A new workout outfit, some new music, or a massage by one of our LMTs are all great rewards for a job well done.
Getting up early to workout will leave you feeling accomplished for the rest of the day. Starting off your morning full of endorphins is a great way to begin your day. Remember to start your fitness routine off slowly to prevent injury. If you suffer an injury, or something just doesn’t feel right, please come see us so we can help you recover quickly and get back on track!
