You already know that exercise is a crucial tool in helping to achieve your fat loss goals. Moving your body is a must, whether that means doing it all at once in a killer workout session, or sneaking in fitness throughout your day as your schedule allows. While any time is a good time to exercise, research has shown that doing so in the morning might have longer lasting effects than any other point in the day.
As reported in an article on WebMD, morning workouts are the best way to avoid your day getting in the way of doing your exercise. After all, how many times has traffic, a sick child, an impromptu happy hour, or last-minute meeting with a boss caused you to ditch a workout? Life happens, and when it does your workout is usually the first to suffer.
Additionally, morning exercise helps to set the pace for the rest of the day. If you’ve ever worked out in the evening and then tried to go to bed, sleep might not come easily thanks to feeling amped from your exercise. By switching to a morning sweat session, you not only build better sleeping habits, but you can also put the increased energy to good use–that is, responding to all of those life moments previously mentioned.
Despite the running list of benefits to a morning routine, leaving the comfort of your bed is never easy. Sleeping in always sounds better than sweating it out…duh! Yet in the name of being healthy and looking great, it’s time to sacrifice the snooze time, and get up and get moving. Here are a few ways to help you make the switch.
Head to Bed: You don’t need to skimp on sleeping when working out in the morning. Instead adjust your bed times so that you hit the pillow a little earlier than usual. In the beginning, falling asleep might be more difficult as your body adjusts. To help, try reading a book (not on a device, as the screen light can actually deter sleep), doing some light stretches, or meditating for ten minutes. Once you start working out–and doing so at the intensity best for you–you’ll likely look forward to getting your Zzzs so that your brain and body can begin to recover.
Move the Alarm Clock: If you sleep with your alarm–be it an old school clock radio or your smartphone–next to your bed, the option to hit the snooze button is too easy. Find a location on the other side of your bedroom that will require you to get up and out of bed to turn it off. Once you’re out from under the covers, taking the next step toward exercise is a lot easier.
Plan Something Fun: If you’ve ever wanted to try a new bike trail, a new pilates class, or even a new workout DVD, doing so while starting a morning routine is the best time. It gives you something to look forward to, making you want to get out of bed.
Buddy Up: Make a workout date with a friend for first thing in the morning. Knowing that she will be waiting for you is good way to get you up and moving. She’s doing the same for you, so don’t disappoint. Don’t have any morning friends to meet? Set up an a.m. session with a trainer. If you have to pay for his or her time, avoiding wasting money can be the motivation you need.
When first making the switch to a morning routine, be patient with yourself. Your body needs to adjust, so if you decide to increase your Zzzs one morning instead of lacing up your sneakers, don’t beat yourself up. Tomorrow’s a new day. Keep on trying, and you’ll soon see the sun rise over a healthier you.
Carrie Anton is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, and sports. She's been published in Self, Women's Health, Oxygen, and Maximum Fitness.
