At the end of a long day, I bet the last thing on your mind is, “I can’t wait to work out!” Any spare time at the end of your day is probably spent catching up on bills, cleaning the house, watching a few DVR shows, perhaps sipping a glass of wine, and then heading to bed early. I know that’s what my night usually looks like. As moms, most of our energy goes into caring for others, and we often don’t make time for our health and fitness.
Recently, I found some streaming workout videos that helped motivate me to start a workout program. However, I tried doing the workouts at night after my daughter went to bed, and I still found it hard to get motivated because I was exhausted!
I knew I had to get healthy, and working out was necessary, so I had to become a morning workout person. Working out in the morning makes you feel amazing for the rest of the day; once you do it, you will know what I’m talking about. I think it makes your entire day more productive. It’s the time I reserve to focus on myself before anyone wakes up.
Here are seven tips that have helped me learn to love being a morning workout person.
1. Start slowly.
Start with one day a week, then slowly add days each week.
2. Get ready the night before.
If you work out at home, sleep in your workout clothes, and get your equipment set out. If you go to the gym, pack your bag and have it ready by the door. If you are already dressed, it’s harder to talk yourself out of it.
3. Create a Pinterest inspiration board.
When your alarm goes off, and you are tempted to hit the snooze button, open up your inspiration board to help you remember your “why” for morning workouts. You could even set one of the quotes as your phone’s background so you see it as soon as you wake up.
4. Go to sleep early.
I know that if I go to bed later than 10 p.m., I will have difficulty getting up. Set your bedtime and stick to it.
5. Get a support system.
Find a friend who gets up at the same time to work out and text each other in the morning to stay accountable. Better yet, grab a friend and work out together. You are less likely to give excuses to others than you are to yourself.
6. Have a workout plan and routine.
Whether you create one for the week or the month, making a workout schedule will help you get into a routine that works for you. You don’t have to waste time crafting a workout for the day, and you are less likely to skip a day if you have a routine.
7. Reward yourself.
If all else fails, bribe yourself into getting up. For example, promise yourself that if you get up and work out, you can stop on the way to work at your favorite coffee shop, or if you finish a week of morning workouts, you will go to the store and buy those pair of jeans that you’ve been eyeing all month!
I’m not going to lie; I sometimes struggle. My husband would be the first to tell you how many times I hit the snooze button last week. Some days will be easier to get up than others, but you have to push yourself and know that it is worth it. Sometimes, you also need a little extra sleep, which is also okay!
