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Morning Workouts

I’m one of those people who would love to be that perky chipper person who wakes up with a smile on her face and a spring in her step.

Instead, I wake up with a few choice words, tripping over my trusty pair of Brooks by the bed, stumbling to the shower, eyes all squinty and not feeling the best. The last thing I want to do when I get up is workout or run. VERY. LAST. THING I want to do…I would rather be dripped in honey and tied to an ant hill.

Well, life is about getting out the comfort zone and I have found myself hurled out of my comfort solar system. I’m in a whole new realm of what was I thinking?

So, now it’s week 2 of Boot Camp and people are asking me….”Really??? 4:30??”

Really. 4:30. AM. MORNING. AM.

Here is how it works for me. I live 30 minutes away from town, so when I leave the house, I have to have clothes for work, shower essentials, lunch and breakfast packed, and a clear head to drive. I don’t expect much, do I? 😉

Tips for Morning people, or those who long to be a morning exerciser

1. Plan,  plan,  plan,  the night before.

Plan it all. Lay out workout clothes. Have work clothes ironed and ready. If you travel to the gym, then to work, have the shower bag and clothes bag packed. Have your lunch ready and portioned in the fridge. Don’t for one second assume that you’ll think of everything in the morning.

I have to go into pack mule mode. Witness the insanity.

bags shoes

Shower bag, work clothes and hair stuff.                 Actual workout clothes to wear.

IMG_1045lunch2

Work clothes                                           Lunch and snacks for the day

fridge list

Close at hand so I can throw it in bag.                       List of what to have in car before I leave

2. Plan what to eat/drink before hand and have it out and ready to cook.

oatmeal

3. Have 2 alarms.

I don’t have pictures. I use my blackberry and the regular alarm. This is something that I never thought I would use, but I do. I’ve hit the snooze on the regular clock many times. The BB alarm is actually easier to wake up to.

4. The mind is easily tricked!!

Go into auto-pilot mode. Get up and go through the motions. If you’re lucky enough to have a home gym or you can run at home, you’ve got a little advantage. If you can just get up and get started while your mind is fuzzy, by the time you’re awake and grumbling, you’re almost done with your workout. GETTING OUT OF BED is the hardest part. Once both feet hit the floor, you’re home free.

5. Think about how good you’ll feel at 5pm and knowing that you’re done with your workout. Try it once and you’ll almost giggle and dance at 5pm.

I have more to add, but it’s 10pm and I need to sleep!

Caree @ Fit-Mama

Thursday 14th of July 2011

I used to use the excuse that I am not a morning person so I couldn't get up and get my workout on in the am. Then I got into running and I live in TX and the only way I can run outside is very early in the morning. I hate running on treadmills so I go for the early morn. I just set my mind that I am going to get up and run and I won't accept any excuse!

Katrina

Sunday 17th of July 2011

I'm right there with you. If I don't get it done quick, it won't get done!

Lee

Tuesday 4th of May 2010

The 5pm one is totally true. It's really nice to not have a workout looming overhead.

homecookedem

Tuesday 4th of May 2010

Oh, I wish I was a morning workout person. Maybe one day... ;)