become a morning workout person

Six Tips on How To Become a Morning Workout Person

Alright, so we know this better than almost anyone. Getting out of bed in the early hours can be rough. Whether it’s 4 AM or 7 AM, it can be challenging for some people to get started that early. 

Nevertheless, it can be the perfect time to exercise – we are huge fans of morning workouts! Not only can a morning workout boost your metabolic rate, but it will also put you in a better mood for your day. Additionally, evening workouts are difficult to keep up with because we’re so tired by the end of the day.

If you’re not an early morning riser – and getting your body to the gym doesn’t compete with more shut-eye – we’ve got you.

Here are our six tried and true tips for changing your sleep habits and becoming a first-thing-in-the-morning workout person.

Prepare the Night Before

How To Become a Morning Workout Person

Ok, this one sounds simple, but it’s totally true (and a ridiculously easy way to help you get into the early morning workout routine).

To reap the benefits of being an early bird, develop a habit of preparing for the day ahead – at night. Take the time to set out your workout clothes or pack your workout gear and gym bag before you go to sleep. Setting the alarm on the coffee maker, or prepare a cold brew, and making a snack at night will also free up extra time in the morning. You can then grab that bite to eat while on your way out the door.

We always suggest eating before an early morning workout – you must fuel your body, no matter what. Even if it is just something small, like a protein waffle or a banana with nut butter or greek yogurt, it is best to avoid morning exercise on an empty stomach.

Another way to prepare to get moving early in the morning is to put your clothes and shoes out. Not everyone functions well at an early hour, and the more things you have to do to make it to the weight room, the less likely it will happen. On the other hand, seeing your clothes, shoes, and maybe even a water bottle sitting in the corner can be just enough things off the to-do list to get moving first thing in the morning!

Don’t Hit the Snooze Button

dont hit the snooze button

Those extra minutes of sleep can be tempting, but the snooze on your alarm clock can be a problem, especially if you don’t consider yourself a morning person. And according to an article posted in the Wall Street Journal, if you hit snooze, it confuses your body and internal clock (scientifically referred to as your circadian rhythm).

Don’t be lured by the thought of getting a few minutes of extra sleep. You will actually wake up feeling just as exhausted even if you get only five hours of sleep. Upon hearing your alarm ringing, the ideal approach is to simply get up and begin your day. Not only does it save time getting out the door, but it also helps you get a good rest by not having your body wake up, get light sleep, wake up again, etc.

Feel like it’s impossible to avoid the snooze sleep pattern? We highly suggest reading Mel Robbin’s 5 Second Rule to get past your snooze button habits – all you need to do is simply say to yourself, “5, 4, 3, 2, 1,” and get UP at 1. This will help make your wake-up time predictable and workouts far more enjoyable.

Develop a Nightly Routine

develop nightly schedule

In order to avoid feeling fatigued in the morning, you must go to bed at an appropriate time and get a good night’s sleep. Ugh. It’s a hard sell, we know. But a solid sleep cycle is as important as your mom always said.

Getting enough sleep impacts your workout performance, so it’s not just important for your health but also for those gains! Avoid the peer pressure of pulling late nights and early mornings.

Try to create a relaxing atmosphere that puts your mind at ease. Turn off as many electronics as possible, even if it is just 30 minutes before bed. Staring at a television screen or smartphone may be your personal preference, but it can make it more difficult to fall asleep (and maintain good sleep).

It is also essential to follow a sleep schedule and try to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day. These habits will encourage you to go to bed earlier and improve your overall sleep quality and rest.

Start Small

Getting up earlier may seem daunting if you are not an early riser (or hate the mornings). Instead of making drastic changes, your best bet is to adjust your morning routine slowly.

Get out of bed 15-20 minutes earlier each day instead of trying for super early immediately. That alarm won’t hit as hard if you move it back a few minutes rather than trying to jump back an hour or more.

Start with light exercise first – you don’t have to go crazy. There’s no need to immediately start doing a high-intensity workout for your new morning sessions. The first adjustments might include walking your dog a bit earlier or doing a light cardio workout. Then, you can gradually build up time and intensity as your body adjusts and gets used to waking up early. Over time, you can easily wake up an hour earlier and prefer the gym over the alarm and snooze game. It’s all about finding a successful workout routine.

Remember, the ultimate goal is to have enough time for an hour-long workout (complete with warm-up).

Plan Your Workout in Advance

Never wait until the last minute to plan your morning workout routine. Most gyms have machines in specific groupings to make it easy to work on one thing (focus on legs or arms and back, etc.), so at the very least, have a daily schedule in mind.

Whatever you do, don’t enter the gym and walk around aimlessly, doing a few things here and there.

Before even hitting the gym, you should already have a well-thought-out workout plan–whether a training session or group workout class. This will enable you to progress without wasting time and give you one less excuse for not getting out of bed. In any physical effort, progress is important to keep you engaged and committed to the goal.

Find an Accountability Partner

Find an Accountability Partner

Workout accountability will help you to avoid making any excuses. Find a workout partner who is also on a mission to accomplish their fitness goals.

You’re also letting your workout buddy down if you fail to attend your early morning workouts. On the days you feel totally uninspired, the additional motivation is bound to come in handy.

If your friends are more committed to making happy hour than the gym, look for a personal trainer. With the right personal trainer, you will have a dedicated accountability partner and science-backed, custom-tailored workouts to help you see progress quickly (and avoid the awkward walks through the gym, not sure where to start).

While staying fit is not always easy, the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Remember, consistency is key. By sticking to it, you will see the results of a consistent workout routine, even after only a few weeks. And you may find you love the free time you’ve found when you become a morning person!

Ready to kick-start your day with a new habit and reach your workout goals? At Kasheta BodyFit, our trainers are here to help support you, no matter what time of day it is. 

Give us a call and learn more about how to develop a health-focused workout routine for a better body and better health!