9 Tips for Working Out in the Morning (Without It Being Miserable)
February 23, 2012 by Jenn
One benefit to working out in the morning is quiet and peaceful streets to run on! Credit: lululemon athletica
I have a love/hate relationship with working out in the morning. But, as I’ve already shared, I really, really do love it. In fact, it’s one of the best parts of my day—and week even. Well, once I’m done. I’ll admit that getting out of bed in the dark and cold isn’t always the easiest. And it took me months to transition from an evening exerciser to working out in the morning. But the feeling of accomplishment after? The boost of confidence knowing that you already rocked a workout no matter what the day throws at you? Well, that’s just priceless. So if you’d like to start working out in the morning but haven’t quite figured out how to actually get out of bed when the alarm goes off, read on!
Working Out in the Morning: 9 Tips
1. Envision waking up early, working out—and enjoying it. It may sound hippity-dippity, but if you can’t imagine yourself walking up early to work out and enjoying it, chances are you won’t do it. So for just a few minutes before bed, think about waking up to your alarm and feeling energized. Then, imagine getting ready and having a great workout. If you can do that regularly, it’ll only help you see yourself as someone who likes working out in the morning. And then you can make it a reality!
Morning workouts work best for me, because I usually can find 10 million things to do AFTER a long day at work, and it’s usually not exercise.
It was a hard habit for me to get into, but now that I do it, it’s a way of life. I actually DO wake up at the same time every day (even weekends) because it really does make it easier. Staying up late one night, but going to bed early the next, or trying to get to bed early when I’ve slept in? Forget it. I need consistency, and this works for me.
I’ve also used Facebook to help get me out of bed. Posting that I will the night before is helpful. I’m also FB friends with my Pilates trainer and one of my cycling instructors. If they know where to find me to harrass me for sleeping, I’d best get out of bed!
Great article.
I’m a morning exerciser. And to get myself going on those early, wet and cold mornings..as I’m getting ready I like to listen to music on my iPod. Adrenalin is pumping and I’m ready to run!
There are many benefits of working out in the morning. #1 for me is, I have free evenings and if something comes up during the day I don’t feel guilty staying late at work or going for dinner since all my daily exercises have been done.
Great tips. I love to exercise but waking up early morning just to do so sometimes is not that great since I have to wake up very early. Still, I’ll keep in mind the tips above.
I wouldn’t say that I’m the greatest at being consistent with my early morning workouts. I probably have to go back to having my alarm clock across the room and physically getting out of bed. What helps me if getting a good quality sleep (I recently purchased a new mattress and I’m working on a finding the right pillow). The more rested I am, the more likely I am to wake up to work out.
Also, I have found that setting a small incentive for doing at least 3 days a week helps (like purchase a video, new workout clothes, etc).
I am the one who has a 100 excused not to workout after work!! I LOVE MORNING WORKOUTS!!!
I agree–no matter what kind of day you have—your workout is already done!!
I am definitely NOT a morning person and working out in the morning has always been something i’ve wanted to do but never been able to get myself up in the mornings to go to the gym. After work, I always had the excuse that I was too tired to go to the gym.
For about 2 months now I have worked out in the morning 5 days and week and I absolutely LOVE it! It wakes me up and I feel like it gives me so much more energy! I should have done this ages ago! Granted, I am only working out at home and for about 20 minutes, but it’s the best way to start my morning!!
I workout in the early morning three times per week. It is always hard to get out of bed, but I love that moment in the later afternoon when I catch myself wondering, “Did I workout yet today?” Oh yea! I already did! Woot!” The only time I might suggest not working out in the morning is if you really REALLY are NOT a morning person. Because then, no matter how much you KNOW that it’s good for you, it’s possible you won’t enjoy it, and you’ll dread it, and you’ll start avoiding it. Find the time that works BEST for YOU!