Whether you are a morning person or not if you have to make an early morning workout WORK then here are some tips to get you on your way.
Anyone who knows me knows I am a morning person. I tend to roll out of bed and am ready to tackle the day very early in the morning. Now 9 pm at night is another story.
I think that my body starts to wake up around 3:30 am and my husband’s snoring does me in and I am wide awake by 4 am not getting back to sleep. Ha! Sorry honey – MUAH!
Anywho – over time I have met folks who aren’t getting in their own workouts because they run out of time by the end of the day. They claim not to be morning workout people and that is probably true but I find if I don’t get it in first thing – it won’t happen.
I’m just being honest. Once the family is awake and activities start it isn’t unusual for me to look up and half the afternoon is gone. So if you would like to join me in this early-morning movement here are some easy tips to get you started and motivated so you have an effective workout.
Lay It All Out
Lay your clothes out the night before. Shoot – sleep in your workout clothes so you literally roll out of bed and are ready to go.
Partner Up
Recruit an accountability partner to accompany you. There’s nothing like someone else waiting for you to show up to make you get up and out to meet them.
Turn In Early
Go to bed by a reasonable hour. Try to get at least 7 hours of good sleep a night. Tape your favorite late night programs and watch them later vs. trying to watch them live. You won’t have energy for your workout if you don’t get enough sleep.
Light Up
Show up in lights. This is for the runners who run before the sun comes up. Depending if you plan to workout outside – make sure you have proper lighting on your head or hands for clear view.
Even more reason to have a partner. I own knuckle lights while running in the dark and they are GREAT! I also did a review of knuckle lights if you are interested in purchasing your own.
Hydrate
Drink at least 16 oz of water when you first wake up. It will help you wake up plus get your organs lubricated and ready for the workout that is to come. I find this helps to wake me up further plus provides an initial dose of hydration for my pending workout.
To Sum It Up
I’ve been working out in the wee early morning for years and it works for me. If you consider it I don’t think you will regret it.
Plus, 3 weeks of doing something constantly produces a habit right? Once you begin waking up early your body will adjust and it will become second nature to you.
What is your best time to work out?
What tips would you add?
22 Replies to "How To Prep for An Early Morning Workout"
becca112971
Twitter: _Everyday_Life_
March 26, 2014 (7:40 pm)
Great tips for morning workout I usually take my walk after lunch but thinking of changing it up.
DSTPRL March 26, 2014 (9:08 pm)
Becca let me know how you feel if you start doing some workouts in the wee morning.
Markita
Twitter: sweshfit
March 26, 2014 (8:57 pm)
I’m a morning workout girl as well. I could probably be way more effective if I followed your list though! lol…I scrummage around in the dark for clothes, usually don’t get enough sleep, and I’m a loner in the gym! Gonna try laying my clothes out and drinking more water tonight…maybe it will help me get started sooner. Great post!
DSTPRL March 26, 2014 (9:08 pm)
If you don’t drink the water tonight definitely before you head out. It helps to hydrate you and to get things moving. 🙂
Alison
Twitter: fearlesslyfierc
March 26, 2014 (9:00 pm)
I think your tips are great but #2 is one of the only reasons I’ll do it =). My boyfriend on the other hand is a religious morning workouter. He does all the same things you do! I teach group ex classes throughout the day so that normally dictates my workout time but if I get a day off I aim for the lunch time workout. Thanks for hosting the link up!
DSTPRL March 26, 2014 (9:07 pm)
Thank you for stopping by Alison. YESSSS mornings or bust! If I don’t get it in then it just won’t happen. I just know my limits.
Amanda H March 27, 2014 (2:24 am)
Great tips! Thanks for sharing! I am terrible at getting up early to workout, but after moving to Cali I have at least managed to get to work earlier so I can fit my workouts in during daylight. At least it’s something 🙂
Maria
Twitter: MariaDAngelique
March 28, 2014 (10:21 am)
I am definitely an afternoon/evening person. In the mornings– IF I HAVE TO DUE TO THE ARMY– I can make it work. But I find my body can handle working out (especially heavy weights) in the evening.
DSTPRL March 28, 2014 (11:07 am)
You are so lucky Maria. By the evening I am TUCKERED OUT!! Can barely raise my arms. LOL. Thanks for stopping by.
tikilon March 28, 2014 (6:23 pm)
I prefer to workout early am. Lately, I’ve fallen of with working out and running. I can’t wait for the weather to break so my joints and I can get back to our 515 runs.
Kristin KH
Twitter: ExpDomesticity
March 29, 2014 (8:35 am)
Becoming an early riser is a goal of mine. We typically get up around 7 with the kiddos, but I almost never go to bed before midnight. Getting up any earlier would take some planning and a much earlier bedtime, so I haven’t started working on that just yet. My 2yo goes to bed around 8:30 and I really love that no-kid time at night, but it may be time for a change. Stopping by from SITS
DSTPRL March 29, 2014 (9:36 am)
Thanks for stopping by. I know how that is with the quiet time at night after a busy day. I try to go to bed by 10 am which doesn’t always happen but I strive for it.
Pamela March 29, 2014 (12:45 pm)
I’m with you on the early morning workouts… I get up at 4:15. I love the suggestion of knuckle lights… I’ll have to check those out!
DSTPRL March 29, 2014 (2:30 pm)
Definitely check them out. They are awesome headlights for your hands. Thank you for stopping by.
Barbara March 29, 2014 (1:28 pm)
When I worked out it was always in the mornings. I have fallen off the wagon and admit it is taking a bit of doing to get back on. I am up to 2 mornings a week, it’s a start. I am beginning a new lifestyle eating and exercise plan tomorrow. It is the first time I have put so much thought into it and so I hope that I can stick with it. Thank you for the tips. I hope to become a lover of exercise once again.
Visiting from SITS Sharefest.
Barbara @ http://www.allmylivesnow.com
DSTPRL March 29, 2014 (2:29 pm)
I am sure you will fall in love with it again. Take it slow and eventually it will become a new healthy habit. Thanks for stopping by.
amyc08
Twitter: runningescapade
March 29, 2014 (1:46 pm)
I love morning workouts, but during the week I can’t do it. I can do afternoons during the week though 😉
DSTPRL March 29, 2014 (2:32 pm)
Definitely find what works for you. I know me and if I don’t get it in early it won’t happen. Thanks for stopping by.
Katie March 29, 2014 (7:06 pm)
Unfortunately for me, my husband has to be AT work at 6am and I’ve got 3 small kids in the house. I used to love my 7am runs when I only had one kid! What a great way to start a day! Now I do bootcamp 3xs a week at 6:30pm.
DSTPRL March 29, 2014 (7:40 pm)
You know what Katie – I applaud YOU for being able to get it in at 6:30 pm. By that time I am POOPED Deck Pappy (Popeye’s Dad – at least I think that was his name)…but I digress. LOL..you are taking care of you so you can take care of your family and that is an awesome thing. Keep up the great work no matter what time you get it in. Thanks for stopping by – I really appreciate it.
sarah
Twitter: creatingbetter
July 31, 2016 (4:58 am)
Me…GOTTA BE MORNING! Gotta have the juices flowing before the craziness of the motherhood day job begins!
Diatta
Twitter: DSTPRL
July 31, 2016 (6:02 am)
I’m with you. Before my day gets started I have to get it in first thing.