As we head into the winter months - throwing off those warm covers and jumping out of bed to get a workout can be even more torturous than in other seasons. However, getting your exercise on before the sun is out - is definitely worth every last effort. Research suggests that early morning hours are the best time to get your sweat on - it's boosts your metabolism for the day, your energy level is lifted, and sets your mood to be fantastic for the day!
I personally workout in the morning because I know how much better I feel starting my day this way as well as I know I won't do it after work. I have less motivation as the day drags on. Therefore, morning workouts are perfect for me. Here are my PERSONAL tips to getting up early and getting your workout in.
1) Be PREPARED - If it's setting out your workout clothes the night before - or you literally sleep in your workout garb (like I do), being prepared when your feet hit the floor is essential. All I have to do to get ready for my workout - throw up my hair and my shoes! Super easy - and little effort needed. The night before I also know EXACTLY what I'm going to do for my workout. I normally follow a program - but getting up and then figuring out your plan wastes a LOT of time.
2) Turn on the LIGHT - I get up and turn on my kitchen lights and do some work in the kitchen. I make my hubby's lunch first before my workout - it gives me enough time to let the bright fluorescents start waking up my brain. If for some reason the sun is out - natural light is best. However at 5 am - generally there will not be any natural light available.
3) FLUID - I believe drinking ice cold water first thing - helps wake me up. I also drink a pre-workout by Beachbody called - Energize. It has a great taste and powers me through my workout. So while I'm doing my kitchen work - making hubby's lunch - I drink my pre-workout. By the time I'm done making his lunch and putting on my shoes - I am powered and ready to ROCK!
4) Go to bed EARLY - This seems like a very great idea. However I know for those night owls how hard it is to fall asleep anywhere before mid-night. If you intend to get up early - plan to get between 7-8 hours of sleep! This is so important. Your body needs that rest especially if you are going at it hard with your workouts. I personally go to bed at 9 pm and get up at 4:30.
5) Set MULTIPLE alarms - Everyone knows that snooze button is going to be hit or you'll just turn off your alarm. I set multiple alarms knowing I have plenty of time to prepare to get out of my nice cozy bed. My husband isn't a fan, but it works for me. :)
Those are my top 5 tips for getting up early and getting the workout in before starting your day. There may be more tips out there that may be perfect for other people. If you have any personal tips - I'd love for you to comment with them below!
No comments:
Post a Comment