How to Get Up and Work Out Before The Sun Is Up

As winter approaches and our clocks have fallen back, days are getting shorter, and the weather is getting colder. The desire to stay in our warm and cozy beds is getting harder to resist. It’s hard enough to be a morning person and maintain the motivation to wake up and work out, but when the moon is still out when your alarm goes off, forget about it! Then again, if you hit snooze and wait to work out after work, you might be faced with the same problem.

It’s not easy for most people to be gung ho for a workout session first thing in the morning. However, I’m here to tell you that it IS possible! Lots of people somehow manage to stick to their morning workouts, and I’m here to tell you how:

Have a plan. Know exactly what you plan to do for your workout when you go to bed the night before. Whether it’s a full morning of cardio, a class, or a quick run, have a plan in place. That way, you’re not lying in bed in the morning, wasting time trying to figure it out. Lay out all of your equipment, gym bag, water bottle and whatever else you’ll need the night before. By planning out what you are going to do at the gym, you know exactly how much time you will need, providing yourself with the potential to have a scheduled and punctual morning.

Don’t hit snooze. If you’re a chronic snooze-button user, place your clock on the other side of the room so that you HAVE to get out of bed to turn it off. Even better idea, turn on the lights right away and turn on some mood-boosting music to help yourself wake up.

Go to bed at a normal time. So many of us are overworked and constantly tired. Something as simple as getting enough hours of sleep can make a world of difference in your morning routine. Make sleep a priority! Waking up and feeling well rested might be all you need to find that morning motivation to hit the gym.

Sleep in your workout clothes. When it’s cold outside, or in the house, no one wants to get out of the covers or change into workout clothes. Plus, this can save you precious time in the morning! And honestly when you’re already dressed, you’re taking one less obstacle out of the way. Just do it.

Play your get-up-and-go music. As I mentioned above, music is a great way to boost your mood. It can make you feel better, give you energy, and motivate you to reach higher. Play those tunes in the morning that remind you of your goals and why you’re doing this in the first place. Also, try making a playlist for morning workouts of those extra motivating songs to help push yourself to the very end.

Don’t make it a choice. The big difference between those who get up and get it done and those who keep sleeping and feel guilty later is that morning exercisers Just. Do. It. It’s not optional. It’s not “Oh, if I feel like it, I’ll wake up and work out tomorrow.” They make the decision the night before. And when it’s time to wake up and go, that’s that. No fights. No compromising. No negotiation. It’s just something that they do. And you have just as much power to make that happen, too.