Morning workouts might sound like a no-brainer, but the idea of getting up early and hitting the gym can be daunting for some people. It’s no secret that some people prefer to hit the hay after a long night of sleep, and it’s also possible that you simply can’t fit your workout into your schedule. However, there are a few things you can do to change this.
First, get more sleep. It’s always easier to go to bed and get up when you feel rested, so make sure to give yourself plenty of time to get in a full night’s rest. Then, plan your evening so that you have a decent amount of time to relax and prepare for your morning workout.
Set your alarm for a specific time that you’re ready to wake up, and stick with it every day. You’ll soon be used to waking up at the same time, and it won’t be as difficult to convince yourself to get out of bed for your workout.
Prep the Night Before
You might be tempted to skip your pre-workout meal or drink if you don’t have time to prep before a morning workout, but hydrating in the evening is crucial to your success. You’ll need to drink 8 to 16 ounces of water before your workout so that your body can lubricate the joints and transport fuel to the muscles.
Lay out your clothes and gear the night before so you’ll have a more organized space to get started. It’s also a great idea to have your motivational playlist cued up for your workout, so you’ll be ready to go at the crack of dawn.
Be a Better Partner
You’ll need someone to motivate you to stick with your routine, so forming a morning workout buddy is a good way to keep yourself accountable. They can also be an extra source of support if you’re having trouble staying on track, says Kaisa Keranen, a personal trainer who’s possibly the most badass fit human ever.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the task of creating a daily workout routine, it may help to set some concrete goals and milestones for yourself. Whether you’re looking to run a certain distance or complete a particular number of reps, create attainable goals so that you don’t feel overwhelmed by the prospect of making the switch.
Then, use rewards to motivate you toward your goals, suggests Jin Han, M.D., an associate professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Baylor School of Medicine. It’s a simple, effective strategy that will increase your confidence and help you build the habit of working out in the morning.
Start Small
Achieving a new daily routine is a big deal, and it takes time. That’s why it’s important to start small and make changes in increments. For example, you can gradually shift your sleep schedule 15 minutes earlier at a time until you’re getting up and logging your workouts at the same time as you normally do.
Milena Estêvão is a YouTuber passionate about sharing her experiences (challenges, successes and motivations) in the fitness activities she is involved in.
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