We all know the feeling, the alarm goes off and your first instinct is to hit snooze and gain some extra sleep. But don't. Your morning workout is one of the best things you can do for yourself. "Exercising early in the morning jump-starts your metabolism, keeping it elevated for hours and energizes you for the day," says Jennifer Sherman, a Certified Indoor Cycling Instructor and Head Coach at Peloton Cycle in New York City. There are ways to make sure you get out of bed instead of just rolling over in your blanket cocoon. Here are
10 of the best suggestions from some top trainers.
1. Snooze
Get enough sleep the night before. It is much easier to get up when you are well rested. If you don't think this will be enough, try moving your alarm clock out of arm's reach so you will have to get out of bed to turn it off.
2. Pair Up
Schedule your morning workout session with a friend. Knowing someone else is counting on you to be there will make you less likely to bail.
3. Get Competitive
Adam Rosante, author of
The 30 Second Body, suggests making a bet with a friend. "Plan to work out five time per week for six weeks," he says. "For each planned day, you'll each put a pre-determined amount of money into a 'pot.' Something like five bucks is great. The first person to bail on a session loses and the winner gets the cash. Watching that pool grow as your body tones is pretty addictive. If you both last all six weeks, take the money and go out to celebrate with a great meal."
4. Style Yourself
Take the time to plan your look the night before. Work out clothes are adorable, use that to inspire you. While you're at it, charge your iPod and fill your water bottle. Every minute you shave off the morning routine, the easier it will be.
5. Be Patient
Half the battle is simply starting," says Liz Arredondo, an instructor at Be Shri Yoga. "In my early days, a teacher said to me, 'Just give it 10 minutes.' Just make it through that first 10 minutes and you'll have forgotten all the doubt and sluggishness of the start of your morning sweat sessions. You blood will be moving and you'll feel better."
6. And Be Gentle
"Morning bodies are very tight and need time to wake up," says Arredondo. "We sleep in all kinds of terrible, misaligned positions and most of us wake up a bit stiff. Let your body wake up with some slow, deep breathing paired with gentle stretches before you start moving more actively."
7. Make Yourself Accountable
"Post on social media that tomorrow you are going to go to Barry's Bootcamp, SoulCycle, yoga, whatever it may be and invite your friends to meet you there," says LA-based trainer Astrid Swan. "If you don't show, and they do, well, social media will be all over it!" In other words, #dontbail.
8. Prep Your Breakfast
Prepare your breakfast the night before. Try some overnight oats: Mix almond milk, acai, maca, and banana in a blender, then add chia seeds and oats; put in a mason jar and place in fridge overnight. This is a healthy, filling breakfast that will provide you with the energy and nutrition you need to make it through your workout.
9. Take The "Work" Out
Make it fun. Put on an awesome play list. Or find a class or video that you enjoy. It is easier to do than you may think.
10. Stay Honest
"Are you dreading the schlep to the gym? Are you tired from staying up too late?" asks Rosante. "Do you feel like you just don't know what kind of workout to do? Spend a few minutes thinking about why you have such a hard time committing to your A.M. workouts and you can easily figure out a solution that's perfect for you. You may realize it's time to ditch the gym membership and just start crushing simple workouts right in your living room."
You know what this means? No more excuses!
