Looking for a lifehack that could make you stronger, healthier and all-around happier? Here it is: work out in the morning. Seriously, it sounds so simple, but the a.m. sweat session may be exactly what you need to kickstart the body and brain so you slay the day like an absolute pro. But there are obstacles to overcome if you’re not naturally an early-riser (or athlete). In this article, we’re going over some great ideas for how to become one and reap all the benefits of the morning workout.
Why Work Out in the Morning?
The experts say that working out after you wake up in the morning can lead to a host of benefits, including more energy throughout the day, more fat-burning potential and a lower likelihood of consuming extra calories. One study even showed that people who exercised in the morning were less intrigued when viewing yummy-looking food images. So it may be able to help you lose extra weight! Plus, there are all those added perks enjoyed by morning people, like an empty gym and milder temperatures if you’re working out outside in the summertime. And there’s nothing quite like having an evening free after a long day of work!
How to Get Motivated to Work Out in the Morning
- Prepare the Night Before—When you’re dreading the day, you’re much less likely to get up and get going. But taking the guesswork out of the daily grind is a simple way to ensure that you don’t immediately get stressed as soon as you open your eyes. Prepare by picking out a good outfit (more on that below), planning your daily meals and even deciding exactly what kinds of workouts you’re going to do the next day. Because we all know it’s very hard to make decisions before 9 a.m.
- Pre-Plan a Fun Outfit—Have you ever noticed that you get a little more excited about plans when you have something you actually want to wear? Whether it be a pair of super cute workout leggings or a pair of comfortable new sneakers that you think will help you go the extra mile, having amazing workout apparel can totally get you motivated. Make sure to lay your look out the night before to eliminate all those a.m. decisions we mentioned previously.
- Have a Playlist or Podcast Ready—Looking forward to a great playlist, podcast or show you can binge while you’re working out is a really great way to get you pumped up about your workout no matter what time it is. In the morning, you have no time to waste, so make sure your media is on deck the night before.
- Use a Fitness Tracking App—Fitness tracking apps do more than just track how many calories you burned on a given day. They can also do things like help you connect with likeminded exercisers and even suggest fun new workouts for you to try. A big part of health and wellness in this day and age is aggregating data and analyzing your successes and failures over time. Proper tracking will help you see that the grind is worth it, even when you’re exhausted.
- Go to Bed Early—We know you’re tired of hearing it, but few pieces of advice are quite as important as this one. The truth is that, for you to wake up feeling motivated, you’ve got to come from a good, quality night of sleep. Your brain requires rest to process information and to fuel high-energy activities. Make sure you get at least eight hours of sleep if you plan to work out in the morning.
- Eat or Drink Something Energizing—If coffee is your biggest motivator in the morning, lean into it. Just make sure you’re countering all the energy you’re burning with a healthy breakfast and plenty of protein. Drinking a protein shake or eating a piece of fruit may be just what you need to get up out of bed and moving for the rest of the day. Definitely skip any sugary or dairy-heavy drinks.
- Get a Workout Buddy—Workout buddies are the best because they hold you accountable, and that equals major successes at the gym. And you’ve probably seen those studies that show that people who exercise with a friend are less likely to quit working out. Whether you make friends at the gym, join a running club or simply ask a buddy to join you, you’ll notice the power in partnership right away.
- Sign Up for a Class—The morning workout class is fantastic because it provides the accountability of a workout buddy coupled with the expertise of an instructor and the fun of a social environment. In the morning, nothing feels more energizing than an upbeat kickboxing or cycling class. If you’re more into the ease-in strategy, consider starting off your day with some gentle yoga.
- Recognize Your Accomplishments—Remember to pat yourself on the back each and every time you get yourself out of bed and head straight to the gym. Don’t be afraid to share your journey with friends and family online or in real life, and be sure to bask in that feeling of accomplishment. You can even reward yourself with something healthy, like a massage or an afternoon off.
Consistency Is Key
Once you’ve cracked the code, you’ll quickly realize that, like any good habit, consistency is the key to your long-term success when it comes to working out any time of the day. The hard part is getting into the routine in the first place, so once you’re there, do whatever you can to stay on top of your game so you wake up and slay morning after morning.
