5 Easy Ways to Make That A.M. Workout Happen

Good Monday Morning all, I know, I know- it's early. Did you get your workout in yet? There is no better feeling than to get a workout done while the rest of the world is still fast asleep. I return home energized, alert, sweaty, and ready to get my day started. For me, morning workouts are where it's at. I feel that my energy levels are the highest first thing in the morning and it's the best way to wake myself up.

Another reason I love to get my workout done early is that I can then spend the rest of my evening as planned. My husband does't workout regularly so I like to get my workout done and that way I can spend the evening with him by taking a walk, cooking together, or simply lounging watching one of our favorite shows. Side note: Anyone watching The Great? -Love it. I digress.... I've listed below my 5 top ways to ensure that my workout gets done first thing and the things to make it come a bit easier for you if you are struggling.

First things first:

1. Get to bed early.
This girl is a proud member of the 830 pm club. If I go to bed after, I turn into a pumpkin. When I tell people I workout at 330 in the morning they look at me like I'm crazy, but it's all about getting to bed on time. That early of a workout would be killer yes if I went to bed at 1030/11 at night, but because I stick to my bedtime, that isn't that early. It's a bit more difficult in the summer months due to it not getting dark till late, but that's what my curtains are for. Setting a bedtime is important, but coming in second.... you may have to set an alarm or two, or ten. If you have a difficult time waking up you may need a couple alarms, but do you. I usually don't have trouble sleeping through alarms, but this may be necessary until your body and internal clock gets used to it.

2. Get a workout partner.
Accountability is about 25% of my job as a certified personal trainer, it helps to have someone waiting for you. Not to mention having someone to keep you pushing throughout a particularly difficult workout. Words of encouragement can flow and it's almost nice to have someone to commiserate with post-workout. Workout buddies can keep you honest, keep you pressing, and motivated. Plus, a little friendly competition never hurt anyone.

3. Hydrate and fuel beforehand.
Yes, I know it's early and this may take some time for you to research what works for you, but believe me it's worth it. A small simple carbohydrate rich snack with a bit of protein can provide sustained energy and increased output which is the main point of your workout. You don't need an entire meal or a huge bottle of water just before, but I prefer to have a piece of fruit with almond butter, a protein bar, or a yogurt with berries. A small 150-300 calorie snack can keep you fueled for a 45 min-1 hour workout, if what you are planning is going to go longer you may want to consider getting in a larger meal. I can usually eat this 30-45 mins before I start my workout which is another factor to consider. Some of my clients need a bit more time to let whatever it is they drink or eat to settle beforehand and it also depends on the exercise as well. This is why I say it takes a bit of research, try something small 30-45 mins before and see how you feel, you may need to adjust as you go. If your workout is less than 45 mins or so, you don't absolutely need fuel, but I encourage everyone to start sipping on water as soon as you get up and moving to get things going in your body.

4. Pick a workout/exercise you enjoy.
Don't get me wrong, starting a new workout routine can be exhausting, scary, intimidating, etc. However, once you get comfortable and start to improve your performance you may just fall in love. So give it some time to see what your feelings are. That being said, you should never do a workout that you absolutely dread doing (and no, burpees don't count- everyone hates burpees- JK!), one that physically hurts you,  or you simply don't get any joy out of. But seriously, find the movement that works best for you and contributes to your goals but also you take some pleasure away from.

5. Prioritize yourself.
A new routine takes awhile for adherence, so give yourself time to create this new habit
Yes, getting up before dawn isn't always the easiest for me, but once I turned it into a habit it's just part of my day. My schedule right now in life requires me to workout before my day starts. When it comes to fitness, I'm honest with me and it's one of my top priorities. I can't do life very well without my workouts. I can't take care of others, do my job, train people, be a good wife without it because it supports my health mentally, emotionally, and physically. I don't make excuses for not getting it done because I know what it does for me in return. Setting myself up for success is what I do to ensure I set this time and energy aside for myself. You deserve to take care of yourself that being said, you also do not owe your health to anyone but YOU. So if it is important to you, then make it known that this is your primary focus.

Some other tips that can help get you moving first thing in the morning, getting a warm-up in. I get up at 3 or 330 in the morning, but before I set out to the gym or to the neighborhoods for a run I always do a warm up not so much to even get my body moving, it's mainly to help shake off the sleepies in my brain. Being alert and focused will help you get the damn thing done, not to mention avoid doing any bone headed things like dropping a dumbbell on your toe. Another can be to make a popping playlist. Music makes you move, pick songs that uplift and get you moving. TLC, Usher, Salt n Pepa, Mariah, Dr. Dre, and any 90's rap all make my list to help me bee-bop around. Often I'm so busy enjoying the tunes that I sort of skip over the "suck" of some of my workouts.

Morning workouts increase my mood and gives me that "me time" I look forward to everyday. It's a time I get to be in the zone, work through problems in my head, and helps me organize my mind for the day. The free time in the evening helps keep my nights less chaotic, mine often involve family gatherings, client trainings, homework, and work for the base. And lastly, it helps to keep me on track with my goals. Everyone has their own reason for working out and mine currently is to maintain the muscle and strength that I have and to continue improving my overall health. I hope this provides a bit of direction if you are looking to get started with a morning routine. Feel free to write any questions you have below or some of your own favorite ways that encourage you to get that early morning sweat session in! Thanks for reading!