So, I like to run, and go to the gym, first thing in the morning. I’m a big fan of working out bright (or dark) and early for a few reasons, some of which are -
- I get it over and done with so I can move on with my day
- It gives me energy for the day (as long as I get enough sleep the night before)
- I don’t have to worry about fitting it in after work
- I much rather run when it’s cooler out in the morning than the heat of the day (more important during the summer, than now)
While I know there are "night people" and "morning people", I do think that a lot of people who say they just can’t get up early, really could if they gave it a try. It’s not easy at first, but it is doable. It’s like working out in general – if you want to do it, you have to make it a priority and make some adjustments in your life to make it happen.
Here are some of my tips for making time to workout in the morning -
- Start gradually. Set your alarm 10-15 minutes earlier every Monday until you’re setting it for the time you need to get up for a good workout. And get up at that time at least 3 (but 4 is better) days each week. For the first few weeks, just spend that extra time stretching and getting used to waking up a little earlier.
- Go to bed earlier. You still need the same amount, if not more, sleep. Sleep is so important to a healthy life and something we often overlook and give up to fit other things in. [This is what I’ve been having trouble with lately which has been hurting my early morning wake-ups]
- If you need to, set two alarms. Or put your alarm a few feet from your bed so you have to get up to turn it off.
- Put your gear out the night before so you don’t have to think about it, or spend the time on it, in the morning.
- Have a buddy. While I started my early morning routine on my own, I find that it’s really helpful that Woody’s on the same schedule. It’s definitely harder to get out of bed when he’s still sound asleep. It just looks so good.
- Don’t think about it, just do it. I find that if I hesitate when my alarm goes off, I’ll want to go back to sleep. But if I just turn off the alarm and get up right away, I’ll get to it. Remind yourself of why you need to get up. Do you have a race coming up that you’re training for? Are you meeting a friend or trainer? Are you hoping to lose a few pounds? Are you trying to lower your blood pressure? Think of your goal, not the pillow!
- If you really want to work out the next day, don’t drink (or limit drinks) at night. It’s so much harder to wake up after a night which includes a few cocktails or glasses of wine.
Obviously it really helps that we live close to our gym, that we have another (small) gym in our building we can use in a pinch and there are plenty of safe places to run. But even if you don’t have all this close to you, there are great websites that offer workouts for streaming and you don’t need much to start a routine in your home. Just a little space (which is what we’re short on here)!
Questions:
When do you workout?
Did I miss any good tips?
What goal are you working towards right now?
What are you looking forward to this week?
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Today’s workout -
- 40min elliptical
- 3x10 weighted side bends
- 3x10 pully side twists
- 3x10 row
- 3x10 back extensions
- ab exercises
- stretching
10 comments:
Yes! to six and seven! Really pretty key for me. And I am like you--I'm just more of a morning person so it makes it easier. Great tips.
I love getting my workout done in the morning. I usually am up at quarter to five but usually don't run until later.
I am hoping to transition to morning workouts - or should I say, I am PLANNING to workout in the morning (no more hoping, just do it!). This was helpful to read, thank you!
These are GREAT tips! I feel like whenever I meet someone who wakes up so early to hit the gym, they always just say "Oh I've always been a morning person" but these are concrete, helpful tips that I think I could start to implement!
I see that you're reading "A Life Without Limits," I just finished it this weekend! Great read right?
Have a great weekend in Portland! I'm headed to Bar Harbor (via Portland) next weekend for the Mount Desert Island Marathon!
I used to be an early riser too, so that I could hit the gym before work. Once the kids came along sleep took over (or lack of sleep lol) I do prefer to run in the morning, but now a days it's more of a fit it in whenever you can type thing.
Yes, I imagine it is probably easier to wake up and workout early for those of us without kids.
Oh, I'm glad you found this helpful! That was my hope!
I did just finish Chrissie's book too! Loved it and definitely recommend it to others. I should post a review soon...
Yep, that's it. You have to commit to it to make it happen! good luck and let me know how you're doing!
Ha. That's funny! I didn't have #7 until I told my husband that I was writing this post and he reminded me to include that one!
Love the morning workout! I often don't feel as well during the day if I don't get up and at least do some sort of exercise in the morning!
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