Reasons Why I Wake Up Early to Workout

I have determined the best time of day for me to get my workout in is first thing in the morning.  It took a while for me to draw this conclusion but several things helped me get here.  First let me start by saying I began a regular fitness program in 2005 after being inspired by a co-worker who survived breast cancer.  She was in her 50’s and running half marathons, 10K’s and the like and I said “If she can do it I can do it”.

She totally inspired me and actually invited me out to run with her.  She did not live far from each other so we would get together to run at 7 am every Saturday for a few months working our way up to running in the Susan G. Komen race in Baltimore that Fall.  I did it in honor of her victory against breast cancer.

Fast forward a year later, I was pregnant with my second child and totally dropped out of working out completely.  No more runs or anything.  I was honestly overextended.  I was in the Greater Baltimore Committee The LEADership program which had mandatory all-day meetings.  I was in a Six Sigma Black Belt course at work which meant I was in class 1 week a month, off site to learn DMAIC and I had my regular job in Healthcare I.T. managing major projects for the organization.  I was stretched beyond compare.

After having my son in 2007 I still did not pick up my regimen.  I felt overwhelmed with a newborn and the changes going on at work.  I went out with a friend for Morgan University’s homecoming and she looked AMAZING.  Slim, trim and glowing.  I wanted whatever she was having so she hooked me up with her personal trainer and the rest is history.  I work out with her still to this day.

I mustered up the money and strength to work out with this personal trainer in the evenings after a rigorous day at work at 6 pm 2 days a week.  It was very difficult for me because by the end of the day I was exhausted.  I spoke to my husband and he was also complaining a little about the time I would get home and still had to cook, bathe children and get everyone in bed on those days I had evening workouts.

He suggested I change up my schedule and go first thing in the morning.  I thought I would NEVER be able to get up before 6 am to work out but honestly I did not want to.  I eventually decided to totally change up my schedule and I have been better for it.  Now it is second nature.

Here are some key reasons why I changed up and workout in the early morning:

1.  I am actually a morning person and spending time doing something for myself first thing is like my own “quiet time”

2.  The day gets so hectic, if I don’t get it in then I won’t.  I just know I won’t.  I know me.

3.  I have energy for the remainder of the day which helps to power me through

4.  It feels great afterwards knowing I took time for me.  The later in the day it gets it is not guaranteed

5.  I hear waking up early, working out on an empty stomach helps burn extra fat calories.  There’s still opposing professional opinions on this topic but I would like to think I burn more kcals on an empty stomach

6.  I have more energy in the morning so I can give 110% during the workouts

7.  It’s nice and quiet so I can sort of meditate while I work out

8.  If I go to the gym I have free reign because it isn’t ever crowded.  I have my choice of machines

I also found this interesting video on the topic.

Video: Rising Early Could Help Keep You Fit & Slim
http://msnvideo.msn.com/?videoid=b31b3d5c-a351-4b75-9c74-e0f4dd057f1&src=v5:share:sharepermalink:&from=sharepermalink

If you ever wondered if it is worth it, these are my reasons why I do it and it has really worked well for me.

What is your workout routine? 

Are you a morning maven? 

Lunchtime diva? 

Or an evening gal who prefers to get it in later in the day? 

Leave a comment and let me know.