Missing a workout can be blanketed by numerous excuses, including the comfort of your own covers! Although the warmth and comfort of a bed may prevail over tackling a morning workout, much can be gained from overcoming sleep temptation. And with these seven morning workout tips, victory may not be snoozed on!
How to Start Working Out in the Morning
1. Go to Bed Early
Start training and tricking yourself into an earlier bedtime, slowly moving it up into 15 to 20 minute increments. Sleep recommendations suggest sleeping seven to nine hours each night, so try to plan and accommodate accordingly. But in addition to cozying up under the covers at an earlier time, turn off the lights, the television, and all electronics to help nurture successful sleep-wake cycles.
2. Lay Out Clothes
Rather than rummaging through your drawers and closets the morning of, lay out workout clothes the night before. Have everything piled into one neat spot and ready to go to not only save time in the morning, but reduce the “I can’t find my tennis shoes” excuse. And along with workout clothes, have your day’s work attire ready to simplify your morning routine and flow!
3. Have Meals Ready
Having one less task in the morning opens up the window for greater workout opportunities. Prepare both breakfast and lunch the night prior or meal prep at the beginning of the week, further detailed here. (And don’t forget to program your coffee pot for that much needed and anticipated cup of joe!)
4. Set Two Alarms
Sometimes you need more than one alarm to push you out of bed. But rather than setting one at a designated time, try staggering a couple (or even a few if needed…) within a short timespan. If a 20-minute warning eases your mind, allow yourself that comfort. It is important, though, to not continue pushing back the time clock, as doing so can cause a much shorter, less effective workout or potentially be missed altogether.
5. Set the Alarm Away from the Bed
If the atrocious beeping of alarms still results to more snooze time, force yourself up by setting the alarm away from the bed. Having to rise from the covers, set your feet on the cool ground, and walk over to the distanced alarm may lessen the likelihood over crawling back into bed. So since you are up, you might as well stay there and get the day going!
6. Wake Up to Energetic Music
Wake up to high-intensity, energetic music to energize your day! Set your favorite song as an alarm and build a playlist with upbeat music to put a little more pep in your step. In fact, music may even be your best workout buddy!
7. Think Prospectively
Sometimes even all the tricks and tips cannot get you out of a cozy bed. But before snuggling back in the covers and falling back to sleep, ask yourself “Will I regret missing this workout?” More times than not, the answer is probably a “yes…” with a probable sigh. But tackling that morning workout generally always ensures a sense of accomplishment and a more productive morning even before others are even awake!
