How to Adopt Morning Fitness Routine (That You will Stick To)

 

What  is the better way to kick off the day than with a workout? But let's be honest: dragging yourself out of bed for exercise can feel like climbing Mount Everest sometimes. I get it. Between hitting snooze a zillion times and the mad dash to get up finding the drive to push through is no walk in the park.

But believe me with some clever adjustments you can develop a morning routine that not only makes your body feel amazing but also gets your brain fired up ready to tackle your list of tasks. So let's get into building a morning routine that you'll actually want to maintain plus some advice on how to keep that passion burning.

Before we discuss the how let us discuss the "why." A morning workout is not merely about squeezing into your jeans (though that is a good side effect). It is about:

1. Energy Overload: Physical activity primes your blood and releases those happy endorphins. It is like a shot of espresso but without the shakes. Seriously you will be great.

2. Brainpower Boost: Morning exercise puts razor-sharp focus and stress into meltdown mode. Do you ever feel like your brains in a fog in the morning? This dispels that instantly so you can attack the day with clarity.

3. Consistency is King (or Queen): Let us be real the day gets nuts. By exercising in the morning you cut out all those excuses that suddenly crop up later on (work meetings happy hour Netflix calling your name.).

4. Mood Elevator: Beginning your day with some exercise sets a good tone lowering those nervous feelings and putting you in a generally better mood. Who doesn't want that?

Now that you understand why an early morning fitness routine is time well spent let's get to how to make it work

Baby Steps My Friend: Achieving Realistic Goals

Another huge mistake that people do is going whole hog too quickly. If you are accustomed to sleeping in until the very last moment taking on an aggressive hour-long workout is a recipe for burnout. Believe me I have been there

• Here is what to do: Begin small. Like super small. Try a few minutes of something like yoga or brisk walk around the block. With time your body will accustomed to it then increase the time and intensity

• Pro Tip: Be SMART about your goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound. So rather than "I will exercise more" say "I will practice 20 minutes of yoga each morning for 30 days." Makes a MASSIVE difference.

Plan Ahead Sleep Tight: Prep is Your Best Friend

Preparation is what makes this a habit. If you are running around upon waking trying to figure out what you should do, you are essentially putting yourself in a position to fail.

•Here is what you do: Prepare your workout outfit the night before. Fill up your water bottle. Know vaguely what you are going to do. The less you have to think at 5 AM the better.

•Pro Tip: Map out your workout plan or schedule it using a fitness app. Seriously knowing exactly what you are doing prevents that "ugh what should I do?" moment.

Find Your Fitness Nirvana: Do What You Like (Seriously)

The ideal workout is the workout you will in fact do. If you loathe running torturing yourself running every morning is pure torture.

•The following is what to do: Experiment Test out different activities yoga, Pilates, strength training, dancing an entertaining home workout video. Find out what actually puts a smile on your face. I disliked exercising until I found an enjoyable Zumba class

•Pro Tip: Vary it Mix it up is the spice of life and it prevents the routine from getting stale. Experiment with alternating cardio and strength training during the week.

Develop a Morning Power-Up Ritual

A morning routine is not just about exercise. It is about establishing a vibe that prepares you for an awesome day.

•          Here is what to do: Pair your workout with other good-feeling habits such as meditation journaling or simply writing down a few things you are thankful for.

• Pro Tip: Drinking a glass of lemon water as soon as you wake up is a booster for metabolism and would rehydrate you after rest.

Sleep: The Secret Weapon (Seriously)

If you are not well-rested waking up early to exercise will be torture. Sleep is the key to a successful routine.

•Here's what to do: Get 7-9 hours of good sleep each night. Develop a soothing bedtime ritual reading a warm bath soothing music.

•Pro Tip: Put down the screens at least an hour beforehand. That blue light wreaks havoc on your sleep cycle big time.

Track Your Wins: Celebrate Progress Big and Small

Having a sense of how far you've come is a huge motivator.

•          Here is what to do: Use a fitness tracker journal or app to log your workouts track your progress and celebrate those milestones.

•          Pro Tip: Take progress photos. Sometimes the scale lies but seeing visual changes can be incredibly inspiring.

Find Your Tribe: Accountability is Everything

Having someone to share the journey makes it SO much easier.

•Here is what to do: Get a friend family member or colleague who is also attempting to get fit and partner up. Check in with one another on a regular basis.

•Pro Tip: Get involved in an online fitness community. Having someone to share your experience with and getting encouragement from others makes all the difference.

Be Kind to Yourself: It is a Marathon Not a Sprint

It takes time and effort to build a lasting habit. There will be days you skip a workout and that is alright

•          Here is what to do: Be kind to yourself. Do not beat yourself up. Simply get back in the saddle the next day.

•          Pro Tip: Mind progress not perfection. Consistency over time is what creates lasting results.

Bonus Hacks: Level Up Your Morning Routine

1. Establish a Regular Wake-Up Time: Even on weekends It keeps your body clock in check.

2. Fuel Up: Eat a light healthy snack before your workout – a banana some nuts etc.

3. Pump Up the Jams: Music is an excellent energy booster and will make your workout more enjoyable.

4. Treat Your Self: Reward yourself after a week of regular workouts – a massage new workout gear whatever makes you happy.

A Sample Morning Routine (Just to Get You Started)

This is just an example make it fit your life

1. 5:30 AM: Wake up and gulp a glass of water.

2. 5:40 AM: 10 minutes of stretching or yoga.

3. 5:50 AM: 20-minute workout (bodyweight exercises a quick jog a home workout video).

4. 6:10 AM: 5 minutes of meditation or journaling.

5. 6:15 AM: Healthy breakfast.

Final Thoughts: It is Your Morning Your Way

Creating a morning fitness habit that you can stick with is not perfect. It's about feeling good while making progress and investing in yourself. So hit that snooze button lace up those shoes and take step one. You got this And in all seriousness your future self will be SO thankful.

FAQs

1. How can I start a morning exercise routine if I 'm not an early riser?

Start small—try 5-10 minutes of light activity and build up from there. Also start packing your workout equipment the night before.

2. Which exercise type works best for mornings?

Which one does this depend on? Yoga, stretching, cardio and strength training are all good options. Pick one you enjoy. You 'll want to stick with it.

3. What are ways I can keep my desire to work out in the morning?

Set some realistic goals, keep an eye on your progress, and reward yourself. Also finding a training partner or listening to some positive music can increase your motivation.

4. Is it necessary to eat before my morning exercise?

That depends on how hard you 're going to work out. If the activity is light you can work out without eating. If it 's more intense you might need something a bit lighter like a banana or some nuts.

5. What's a good length for a morning workout?

Actually 15–30 minutes is a long time! The important thing here is to do it and not to worry about how long it takes.

6. What if I 'm unable to do a full workout in the morning?

Try to go for something quick - weight bearing exercises, a short walk, stretching... anything to get you going would do! Anything does n't do it justice!