Sometimes our cozy beds have a way of keeping us hostage in the morning but I’m sharing my top 7 tips to get you out of bed and to your workout! In college, I used to stay up way too late doing homework and never woke up before 8 a.m. (unless I was pulling an all-nighter). I never thought I’d be able to wake up at 5 a.m. for a workout. Once I started working full-time, I was tired at the end of the day and going home to make dinner and relax was often more tempting than going to yoga or working out. I knew that skipping yoga or a workout would make me less energized during the workday so I knew I had to change my schedule. It took me some time to adjust but with the tips and tricks I’m sharing below, I’m happy to report that I’m one of those crazies who wakes up at 5 to get my sweat on! Check out my 7 tips and tricks below:
1. Lay out your clothes the night before
This step was huge for me! When I wake up for my morning workout, I’m usually still half asleep and it’s dark out so the last thing I want to do is rummage through my closet to find an outfit. Each night, I lay out my outfit (socks, undergarments, sneakers and all) and have it ready to go in a neat pile. This way I don’t have to think or even move from one spot. Since I usually go to a barre class or do my yoga flow or workout at the gym, I also pack my work clothes the night before. This way, I have my make up bag, toiletries, shower flipflops and work outfit ready in a bag ready to grab and go. This step really minimizes the time it takes you to get ready and knowing you did the heavy lifting the night before makes it much easier to get out of bed!
2. Sign up for a class ahead of time
If you have a hard time holding yourself accountable, sign up for a class the night before. Sometimes if I’m feeling a little unmotivated, I sign up for a class the day before so I know I made a commitment and need to get out of bed! This helped me when I first started working out in the mornings. If you don’t attend fitness or yoga classes, make a commitment with a friend to meet at the gym at a certain time so you have an accountability partner to show up for! If you’re a yogi who likes to do video classes, select the online class you want to do the night before so all you have to do is hit play in the morning.
3. Get a good night’s sleep
Getting a good night’s sleep is underrated. Unfortunately, it will probably be very difficult for you to get out of bed earlier if you don’t go to sleep earlier. I never thought I’d be able to break my high school/college habit of going to sleep at midnight at the earliest but with a lot of practice and a little discipline, I now go to sleep around 10 p.m. This was a big adjustment for me and it took some time for me to get used to the schedule change but now I am used to it and it makes getting up much easier. Our bodies need sleep to function, so try to get at least seven hours of rest. 🙂
4. Remember your “why”
Lately remembering my “why” has been my biggest motivator. When my alarm goes off and I’m comfy, cozy in bed working out doesn’t always seem very appealing. When I feel “blah” about going to a workout I focus on how I feel once I’m finished. The satisfaction of having a feel good workout or the bliss I feel after a nice savasana are much more appealing than focusing on push ups or planks. Bring your mind to your why. Maybe it’s for that feel good post exercise high, to get healthier, to feel more confident, to reach your goals, to run around with your kids, to have more energy during the day — whatever it is, picture it.
5. Limit the late night scrolling
If you’re anything like me, it’s easy to get caught in the sticky web of social media. First you’re scrolling through someone’s Instagram and next thing you know you’re on their brother’s cousin’s dog groomer’s page. It’s a vicious cycle. I try to limit my phone time before bed because time can pass quickly while you’re mindlessly scrolling, making it easy to accidentally stay up too late. The blue light can also be very stimulating so it makes it more difficult to relax and fall asleep. I try to read or listen to an audio book before I go to bed because it’s very calming for me and helps me unwind and fall asleep easier.
6. Choose a workout you like
If you read this post, you know I always encourage others to find a workout they enjoy. It’s much easier to get out of bed for something you like than something you dread! If I know I have my favorite yoga class in the morning, I’m much more likely to go than if I were forcing myself to go for a run. Find an activity that makes you excited to get out of bed in the morning. Okay, maybe not excited at the crack of dawn, but at least something you’re not dreading! It’s difficult for me to wake up for a workout I think I “should be” doing but if it’s a workout I actually enjoy then there’s a much higher chance I’ll get up.
7. Prep a yummy breakfast
Whether you like to eat before or after your workout, prep a yummy breakfast that you look forward to in the morning. Knowing I have a delicious smoothie, overnight oats or egg white muffins waiting for me motivates me to get through my workout! Whatever works, right? 🙂 Fueling up with a nutritious and yummy breakfast is the perfect complement to a workout and will allow you to start your morning on the right track and set you up for a great day ahead. Here’s one of my favorite smoothie recipes to prep the night before, store in the fridge and refuel with after a workout.
Those are some of my favorite tips and tricks to get up and at ’em in the morning! Try some of them out and let me know how it works for you. I never thought I’d be someone who does yoga/workouts in the morning but here I am. Give your body time to adjust to the new schedule and be patient. By no means am I saying you must workout everyday! Come up with a schedule that works for you and isn’t too overwhelming, and always listen to your body and rest when you need it. Let me know what motivates you to workout in the morning or if you plan on giving it a try!
