Rise and shine! It’s time to leap out of bed and throw on your sports gear. What do you mean you’re too tired? Then why did you set your alarm to go off so early this morning? If you’re struggling to get the most out of your morning workouts, you’re not alone. Finding the motivation before we’ve so much as smelled the first coffee of the day can be tough. That’s why I've assembled a few tips for early risers. With the right planning, your morning workout can be a pleasure, not a chore. It all starts the night before…
Get a good night’s sleep - Exercising in the morning gets your body into a good routine: active during the day, then restful at night. A good night’s sleep will aid muscle repair and help you wake up feeling refreshed. It may still take a moment for the sleep to clear from your eyes, but after getting up you’ll feel alert and ready to take on the world.
Snooze button’s for losers - “Just five more minutes.” And then another five and then another five. Do you ever feel more refreshed after five minutes of additional sleep? Of course not – you’re too paranoid about your alarm going off again. If you’re struggling to get out of bed when your alarm goes off, perhaps you should think about going to bed earlier.
Pre-plan - Shorts, top, trainers, headphones, sweatband, water bottle, protein shake. Have them all laid out and ready to go the night before. That way, all you need to do is splash some cold water on your face when you wake up and you’re good to go. Less time getting ready = more time getting fit.
Pick a partner - Everyone knows that working out is more fun and more effective with a friend. In the mornings, you’ll be especially grateful for the company. A workout buddy will deter you from ducking out of your obligations when it’s cold outside and the bed is feeling ridiculously comfy.