Benefits to early morning exercise - and how to get started
Always remember, what works for someone might not work for you. If you can’t make a morning workout fit in your schedule, don’t sweat it! Try it - and if it doesn't work for you then fit it in wherever it works for you - and focus on that routine!
Benefits to Early Morning Exercise
1. Establishes a routine
· WHO really wants to wake up early – but when it’s a great way to get it done and out of the way, it does make it easier to get up and do it!
· You are less likely to skip your workout if you get it done before the day gets too busy (get stuck on a work meeting, kids not cooperating, traffic, etc.)
· It is super important to establish a routine that works for YOU! Life has been hectic for sure this 2020 – it is up to you to create a routine that works for you and allows you to take time for self-care!
2. Boost energy <MOOD> for the day / Increase productivity / Increase mental clarity
· Your workouts might start off slow/sluggish, but once you get started you will feel energized and ready for the day.
· For some this just means – the days you get early workouts done – are the days you are more productive.
· You might be able to work out some thoughts you might have (especially if you had a restless night sleep thinking about work, to-do list, etc.)
· When you work out your body creates a rush of endorphins, serotonin and dopamine which will help with stress management (think, HAPPY HORMONES that make you feel good). If your days typically are stressful especially nowadays with people working from home/homeschooling/hybrid school learning – days have become longer and harder!
3. Uninterrupted YOU time / Fewer distractions
· If you have kids or are a caregiver YOU will totally understand this one. Nothing is better than being able to have 30-60 minutes of uninterrupted sweat time. I know from experience with a toddler – it is easier to get it done in the morning when I can focus on myself and not worry about what my child is doing. It allows me to mentally prepare for the day, because let’s face it, the days can be unpredictable in terms of attitudes/naps/teething/ etc.
· You haven’t started your to-do list for the day.
4. Make better nutrition choices
· There is something about a kick ass morning workout that just gets you feeling GOOD about yourself. When you feel good about yourself and feel amazing after a workout – you typically want to keep that feeling going! Most people tend to then make better food choices throughout the day, as well as drink more water!
5 ways to get started in having and early morning workout routine
1. Gradually adjust your workout time: don't go from waking up at 7:30 every morning to 5:30 for your workout and expect it to stick. Gradually wake up earlier until you find a time that works for you and allows you to get the workout in you need without being rushed/stressed.
2. Do exercise you enjoy: if you hate running but love HIIT or a strength workout - then focus on that! Doing what you enjoy will make you excited to get up and more likely to stick with the routine.
3. Find a workout / accountability buddy: join a class, work with a trainer
4. Prepare ahead of time: have your workout clothes ready to go, have your breakfast ready to go / lunch packed it going into the office
5. Sleep well: don’t go to bed extremely late – or it will be harder to get up (you will most likely say NO to your alarm!)
Most importantly
move daily,
feel good about yourself,
and
build it into your daily routine!
Meg DeSalvo Fit