10 ways to easily become a morning workout person

As you sip on your morning coffee, do you ever wonder about how to make your mornings more productive? Two words: Morning workouts.

Studies have shown that morning workouts are one of the best ways to feel energised – it might actually give you more energy than a cup of coffee! You’ll also feel more optimistic after your morning workout and it promotes better sleeping habits (as compared to evening workouts which can make it harder to fall asleep), amongst other benefits such as an increased metabolism rate.

But all that aside, we’ll be the first to admit it’s not fun to forgo the snooze button, but it is possible if you put your mind to it! Just follow these 10 easy steps:

1. Catch some early ZZZs

Shifting your sleeping routine can make becoming a morning workout person easier. Aim for at least seven hours of sleep every night, and on the days you want to wake up early, try powering down early – such as turning down devices at least an hour before bed, reading, or even listening to motivational podcasts.

Try 15 minutes earlier to bed, 15 minutes earlier to rise for a start. These little changes can prevent a shock to your body clock.

2. Force yourself to wake up

Move your alarm clock across the room. By forcing yourself to get out of bed to silence the dreaded alarm, you’re forcing yourself to wake up quicker. And once you’re already up… might as well go work out, right? You can also let natural light be your guide. Open the curtains to give your body a natural kick in the morning to wake you up.

3. Set aside your clothes

 

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Before you sleep, set aside your gym clothes and shoes – ready to go. Having to dig through your drawers at 6am. is no fun and it’s much easier to have an outfit ready to go so you don’t have to think too much to get dressed for the gym. One less excuse to avoid working out in the morning!

4. Have a Light Snack

 

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Eating a full meal in the morning before your workout can be tempting but bear in mind that it’s likely to make you feel sick. Instead, opt for something light (half a bowl of oats, a banana, etc) before your workout so you won’t starve during the workout. After your workout, reach for another light snack, and you’ll be good to go.

5. Do something you enjoy while exercising

 

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Bundling something you love with something you don’t want to do – also known as temptation bundling – can help you achieve your goals more easily. Bundle your morning exercise with something you enjoy doing. Go for a brisk walk with your dog, listen to your favourite music while running or watch your favourite Netflix show while using the elliptical machine.

6. Tell the world about your new routine

We’re not suggesting you share every detail of your workout with the world (We all have one of those people on our newsfeed), but getting feedback and support from your social network can help you stay on track towards reaching your fitness goals – especially when it’s the crack of dawn.

Plus saying you’re a morning workout person over and over again will help you sustain your new routine. Share your secrets, recruit friends to join you, whatever. Broadcasting it will just add another layer of accountability.

7. Make an Instagram account that only follows #fitspo accounts

 

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Goofy? Probably.

But consider that social media scroll that happens when you reach for your phone first thing in the morning. Streamline the content you’re exposed to in this separate account so you’re not only watching cooking and beauty videos from influencers on your original account.

Waking up to fit and beautiful people doing squats will get your ass out of bed. Plus their rock-hard abs and toned arms are sure to give you inspiration for new moves and circuits.

8. Prepare for a painless post-workout

It’s not just the pre-workout that you need to prepare for. On days that you’re working out in the morning, prepare your work outfit the night before as well. Chances are, you’ll be short on time so having your outfits prepared really helps. And don’t let the thought of sweaty hair keep you from a good training session before work.

Dry shampoos and polished ponytails will be your best friend to help you ease right into your work day after the fruitful workout!

9. Pay for it

 

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You’ll think twice about skipping a workout if you’ve already paid for it. Opt for an early morning workout class or an appointment with a personal trainer that’s paid in advance. If all else fails, the money you’re spending will definitely motivate you to get out of bed.

10. Motivate (or bribe) yourself

 

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If most other things aren’t working to get you up and moving, a good old-fashioned bribe to yourself might do the trick. Treat yourself to a special coffee or have a great breakfast waiting for you after the workout. You can even reward yourself with some trendy workout gear once you’ve completed one full month of morning workouts.

You can even flip that and donate a dollar to a cause each time you skip a workout!