Getting up early before work to exercise is dreadful for the majority of people who barely even squeeze in six hours of sleep per night. Even though it may be daunting to work out in the morning, it just so happens that it’s the best time of the day to work out for your health. Need a little extra motivation besides staying fit this winter? Try these five steps for the easiest transition into a morning workout routine.
Start going to bed earlier
Sure, this one’s easier said than done. Going to bed earlier means cutting out time in the evening. This could cut out important activities including watching your favorite TV shows, writing blog posts or even spending quality time with your significant other. Regardless of what you have to cut out, it’s important to do this. What you need to be mindful of is that going to bed earlier doesn’t mean going from a regular bedtime of midnight to 8pm. Rather than making a big jump, slowly change up your schedule by going to bed 15 minutes earlier each night. This way your body can slowly transition and it won’t be a shock to you.
Come up with a realistic strategy for success
If you’re not a gym-goer, chances are you won’t have the ambition to get up at 6am to hit up the gym at that hour. Instead of dragging yourself to the gym, there are plenty of other options you can consider. With hundreds of different workout DVDs effective for targeting certain body parts or the entire body, these are great options for indoor exercise. If you prefer being outside, try going for a jog or look into morning boot camp classes. Choose something that you enjoy doing and can see yourself sticking with long term.
Plan for failure
This might sound like a funny tip, but it’s true. If you prepare for failure, you’ll always be prepared. If your workout plan entails running outside and it’s raining, what are you going to do? If you have a backup plan in the pipeline, it won’t ever be a problem. Your backup plan could be to pop in a DVD or hop on the treadmill for a quick run. By having options, you can’t excuse yourself from a workout just because the weather isn’t cooperating.
Bribe yourself
Just like bribing kids, sometimes bribes are the most effective way to get yourself to do something. Whether it’s that extra 10 minute sprint for a piece of cake or 100 extra crunches for a piece of chocolate, this method works. When it comes to getting up in the morning to workout, you better believe that making a deal with yourself will help you get out of bed and get moving.
Prepare for before and after the workout
Planning your workout regimen is one thing, but finding your clothes before the sun comes up can be challenging some days. Rather than fumbling looking for what to wear before and after a workout, plan it out the night before. If you have all of your workout clothes piled together and all of your work clothes hanging in one spot, you’ll spend less time thinking about what you’re going to wear and more time actually working out.
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Alicia Simone is a freelance writer who focuses on health and fitness. She’s been researching programs for healthier living, including rn to msn online programs. She hopes to share her knowledge in the health industry with those who are looking to improve their way of living.
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