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How to Exercise early in the morning

In today's busy world, it is often difficult to find time for regular exercise. It can be even more difficult to make the time early in the morning before work and day's cores take over your life. Follow the few of the following steps and you will make yourself willing and excited to exercise in the morning.

Step1

Choose an alarm clock with a pleasant wake-up call. If your alarm scares the pants off of you every morning, then you might be waking up grouchy and uninspired for a very good reason. Test-drive clocks in the store and look for a sound that suits you.

Step2

Set out your workout gear, shoes and music. The morning should require as little thinking as possible, so anything that can be done the night before will make the process run more smoothly. If you are using a workout tape, get it in the VCR or DVD player the night before, and make sure it’s ready to play. If you plan to hit the road for a walk or run, have your shoes and headphones ready. Also have a back-up plan in case of inclement weather.

Step3

Wake up at the same time every day. No snoozing. The snooze button is your enemy, so don’t use it.. Even if you choose to sit on the couch and read the newspaper instead of exercise, at least you are teaching your body to rise and be semi-alert at this hour.

Step4

Don’t leave enough time to dilly-dally. The more you are standing around in a dark, cozy house, the less likely you are to leave it. Wake up, get dressed, and get out the door.

Step5

Some people can’t get a good workout on an empty stomach. Others feel nauseated just thinking of eating first thing. Know which type you are and if you need to eat before your workout, try a breakfast bar or glass of milk. If you aren’t a morning eater, you should still start the day with a glass of ice water. The cold liquid will also get your metabolism working first thing. Experiment with your pre-workout food. Figure out how little you can eat and still fit in a solid workout. Some quick-and-easy foods that are usually gentle on a pre-workout stomach: banana, cereal bar, toast or yogurt. If you are doing an especially tough workout that requires ample fuel, give yourself enough time for your food to digest before exercising.

Step6

Find a friend or group to keep you accountable and motivated. If you are meeting outside for a walk or bike ride, establish weather-related guidelines. (For example, if the weather drops below X degrees or it’s thundering outside, hit the gym or stay home.)

Step7

Explore different activities, then alternate your workouts to keep things fresh, but consistent.

Step8

Create an exercise plan or fitness goal so that you know what you’re working toward. Once you start seeing results, you will be more motivated to keep that alarm set on EARLY. Morning workouts can be exhilarating if you let them. Play your favorite music or gradually warm up, then get moving. Have fun with your workout.