Is the term, “not a morning person” really a thing? Or is it just something that someone said and others validated? I do believe that some people just wake up easier than others. I witness that in my own household. I think sometimes exercising in the morning just isn’t possible. I am talking about life events, work schedules, and other conflicting reasons. However, imagine squeezing in additional time to focus on your health first thing in the morning. Exercising in the morning became a thing for me in recent years. Mainly with motherhood and my work schedule. I absolutely love it and feel the best when I exercise first thing in the morning. Below is a picture of my home set up. It didn’t start off robust, but slowly we added to it.
*Peloton bike, dumbbells, barbell, bands, ankle weights, pull up bar, and a Lululemon mirror*
Here are a few times that have helped me establish a morning exercise routine:
- Prep your mind. Psych yourself up for your big plans. Get in your head and tell yourself that you are going to start this journey, and there is no turning back. Your mind is powerful. Your mind has the ability to overcome physical pain. I can vouch for this when I went through childbirth. If you set your mind up to do something, you will more than likely commit and execute. I read this book Atomic Habits (paid link). I highly recommend this book if you are looking to start a new habit, or break a negative one. It is a quick read and can guide you if you are want to add a morning exercise routine into your daily life. That exercise routine becomes a habit, which in turn leads to other positive things in your life.
- Find your exercise space. It is important to designate where you will exercise. We are very fortunate in today’s technology driven world. We have many options at our fingers tips. There are even free options or very low cost options. Figure out if you will workout at home or outside of the home. You can utilize YouTube, Pinterest, the web, social media, a paid workout plan, a gym membership, or a home set up. You will need to figure out if you need equipment, or if you will focus on bodyweight exercises. Establishing your space is a great start, and it gives you more drive to get the work done.
- Plan your exercise routine. Figure out what type of exercise you want to do. Again, there are so many options. It is best to figure out what personally works for you, and if it is something you will truly enjoy. If walking for 30 minutes per day is what works for you, then go for it. I personally have a Lululemon mirror and a Peloton. Again, perks of this technology driven world. Now these pieces of equipment were an investment. I consider it investing in my health though. I utilize the Lululemon mirror for strength training and pilates. I utilize my peloton for a good sweaty bike ride. The bike rides are truly addicting. I am sure a future post will include the details, and my obsession with it. Find me on peloton: alyocana. I have personally found this routine works great for me. I currently strength train 5 days per week and ride the peloton at least 6 times per week now.
- Schedule a meeting with yourself. This one is an important one. Schedule a meeting with yourself to exercise as if it is an important meeting. Pencil your exercise plan into your schedule and do not show up late.
- Go to bed early. Now this one takes a bit of an adjustment. I found this one was the hardest to do. I treat my bedtime like tip #4. I try to stay consistent in my bedtime and the routine I do before. My kids go to bed early so that helps with this process. My husband is also a huge help after school and work. This allows us some freedom with our time before bed. I find reading at night is when I can best focus on the material, and it relaxes me. I do like to enjoy a glass of wine while I am reading. Once 9:30 pm hits I am ready to close my eyes. Occasionally I stay up a bit past that, but that 9:30 pm time is my sweet spot to get the best rest. Going to bed early has made a big impact on my morning routine.
- Execute your workout. Finally, wake up in the morning and execute those exact plans. Get into your workout gear, and move your body. Exercise is a great way to get your health on track and grow as an individual. This growth is both mental and physical. Once you make this a habit, there is no turning back.
I hope that you can find some time in your day to exercise. Look at your mornings and think about how you could incorporate an exercise routine. It is easier than you think.
In future posts I will share what else I do to make my morning exercise time most efficient.