Working out in the morning can be very difficult for many individuals juggling the hectic life of career, family, friends and various activities. Determination, planning and accountability are all pieces of a puzzle that can help get you out of bed and into your athletic shoes as the sun rises on a new day.
Step 1
Make a long-term plan, spanning three to five months, for your exercise goals, training routines and personal goals regarding fitness, diet and motivation. This will prepare your mind to focus on and commit to the "big picture," as opposed to getting detoured by minor frustrations that may occur in the "here and now."
Step 2
Share the goals and plans created in Step 1 with a friend or family member who can help keep you accountable to your new lifestyle. Knowing that someone else is hoping to see you succeed will help you stay on course.
Step 3
Create a consistent sleep-and-wake cycle throughout the week, including weekends. When the body is accustomed to going to sleep and arising early for exercise, this habit will become second nature over a short amount of time. Get enough rest to support the activity of the body --- at least seven to nine hours of sleep per night.
Step 4
Use an alarm waking system that uses soft tones and quiet noise to wake you up as you begin to establish new habits of activity early in the morning. Loud, abrupt beeps or music will alarm the body, producing an adrenaline and cortisol release. This triggers an immediate stress response, which will subside quickly and lead to a crash.
Step 5
Write down or type affirmations about morning exercise and its benefits, then place them in areas you see frequently. Pictures are also effective at motivating your efforts to exercise in the morning. Print images of very fit and attractive people who have achieved the goals you're aiming for, and place them in your workout area, if possible. If you leave to a public area, review the affirmations and pictures before you go, to keep you motivated while you are there.
Things You'll Need
- Alarm clock
- Athletic shoes
- Workout gear
- Calendar
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