I’m a night owl. How can I start working out in the morning?
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
If you’re like most people, you probably prefer to hit the snooze button rather than hit the gym in the early hours of the day.
But did you know that working out in the morning can have many benefits for your health, fitness, and mood?
Studies have shown that exercising in the morning can boost your metabolism, improve your focus, reduce your stress, and help you sleep better at night. Plus, you’ll get your workout done and out of the way, leaving you more time and energy for the rest of your day.
Sounds great, right? But how do you actually get yourself to wake up and work out when your bed is so cozy and comfortable?
The answer is simple: You need to prepare for your morning workout the night before.
By following these tips, you can make your morning routine easier, faster, and more enjoyable.
1. Plan Your Workout
The first step to prepare for your morning workout is to plan what you’re going to do. Don’t leave it to chance or decide on the spot. That will only waste your time and energy, and make you more likely to skip or quit your workout. Instead, have a clear and specific plan for your exercise session. Know what type of workout you’re going to do, how long it’s going to take, what equipment you’re going to need, and what exercises you’re going to perform. You can use a fitness app, a workout program, or a personal trainer to help you create your plan. Write it down or save it on your phone so you can easily access it in the morning.
2. Pack Your Bag
The next step to prepare for your morning workout is to pack your bag. Don’t wait until the morning to gather all the things you need for your workout and your day. That will only stress you out and make you forget something important. Instead, pack your bag the night before and leave it by the door or in your car. Make sure you have everything you need, such as:
- Your workout clothes and shoes
- Your water bottle and snacks
- Your headphones and music player
- Your towel and toiletries
- Your change of clothes and accessories
- Your wallet and keys
3. Prep Your Breakfast
The third step to prepare for your morning workout is to prep your breakfast. Don’t skip or skimp on this meal. It’s essential to fuel your body and replenish your energy after your workout. But don’t waste your time and money on buying or making breakfast in the morning. That will only slow you down and tempt you to eat something unhealthy. Instead, prep your breakfast the night before and store it in the fridge or freezer. Make sure it’s something nutritious, delicious, and easy to eat, such as:
- A smoothie or a protein shake
- A yogurt parfait or a chia pudding
- A oatmeal or a granola bar
- A hard-boiled egg or a cheese stick
- A fruit salad or a banana
4. Set Your Alarm
The fourth step to prepare for your morning workout is to set your alarm. Don’t rely on your internal clock or your willpower to wake up on time. That will only make you oversleep or snooze too much. Instead, set your alarm (or multiple alarms) for the time you need to get up and get ready for your workout. Make sure it’s loud enough to hear, but not too annoying to ignore. You can also use a motivational song, a positive message, or a reminder of why you’re working out as your alarm tone.
5. Sleep Well
The fifth and final step to prepare for your morning workout is to sleep well. Don’t stay up late or binge-watch Netflix the night before. That will only make you tired and groggy in the morning. Instead, go to bed early and get enough quality sleep for your body and mind to recover and recharge. Aim for at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night, depending on your needs and preferences. You can also use some tips and tricks to improve your sleep quality, such as:
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and heavy meals before bed
- Keeping your bedroom dark, cool, quiet, and comfortable
- Following a relaxing bedtime routine, such as reading, meditating, or stretching
- Turning off all screens and devices at least an hour before bed
- Wearing an eye mask, ear plugs, or a weighted blanket
There you have it: five simple steps to prepare for your morning workout the night before. By following these tips, you can make your morning workout easier, faster, and more enjoyable. You can also reap the benefits of working out in the morning for your health, fitness, and mood.
So what are you waiting for? Start preparing for your morning workout tonight and see the difference tomorrow. You’ll be glad you did!
Takeaways
- Planning your workout ahead of time can help you save time and stay focused in the morning
- Packing your bag and prepping your breakfast can help you avoid stress and temptation in the morning
- Setting your alarm and sleeping well can help you wake up and work out with more energy and enthusiasm in the morning
- Working out in the morning can help you boost your metabolism, improve your focus, reduce your stress, and help you sleep better at night
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