The Benefits of Morning Workouts

Working out in the morning has many advantages. In addition to getting an energy kick that lasts all day, morning exercisers often find it easier to stick to their workout routine. By exercising first thing in the morning, you avoid other commitments getting in the way during the day. Additionally, exercise kickstarts your metabolism, which can lead to making healthier food choices for the rest of the day.

Morning workouts have also been shown to have positive effects on your mental well-being. Exercise releases endorphins that improve your mood and reduce stress and anxiety. Working out in the morning can give you a sense of accomplishment before the day has even really begun, which boosts your self-confidence.

Find the Right Morning Workout for You

The key to succeeding with morning workouts is to find an activity you enjoy. If you force yourself to do something you hate, it will be difficult to stick to the routine in the long run. Try different forms of exercise and see what suits you best. Maybe it's a sunrise run, a yoga session at home in the living room, or an early spinning class at the gym?

Whatever you choose, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity. Your body needs time to adjust to the new routine. If you're completely new to morning workouts, you can start with 20-30 minutes of lighter exercise a couple of times a week, and then increase the duration and frequency.

Workout Forms Well-Suited for Mornings:

• Running or power walking outdoors
• Yoga or Pilates
• Swimming
• Cycling or spinning
• Circuit training at home or at the gym

Prepare the Night Before

One of the biggest challenges with morning workouts is actually getting out of bed. To make it easier for yourself, lay out your workout clothes the night before. Also, make sure to prepare a nutritious breakfast that awaits you when you get home, such as a smoothie or overnight oats. Then you'll have something to look forward to!

Pack your gym bag and set out your water bottle so everything is ready. The fewer decisions you have to make in the morning, the easier it will be to get going.

Invest in Good Workout Clothes

Comfortable and functional workout clothes can make a big difference for motivation, especially on early mornings. Invest in garments made of soft, breathable materials that wick moisture away from the body. If you exercise outdoors, make sure to dress in layers so you can adjust to the weather and temperature.

Comfortable shoes are also an important investment. Choose shoes suited for your workout and that provide good support and cushioning. Feet tend to swell during the night, so it may be a good idea to try on shoes in the afternoon to get the right size.

Create a Sustainable Morning Routine

To make morning workouts a habit, it's important to create a routine that works for you. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. The body thrives on regular habits. Also, make sure to go to bed on time in the evening so you get enough sleep.

Reward yourself after your workout, for example, with a good breakfast or an extra-long shower. This helps your brain associate morning workouts with something positive. Over time, it will become easier and easier to jump out of bed, even on days when motivation is lacking.

Work Out with a Friend

A great way to stay motivated is to work out with a friend. You can encourage each other, and it becomes harder to stay under the covers when someone is waiting for you. Plus, working out is often more fun when you have company.

If you don't have anyone to work out with, consider joining a workout group or taking a group class at the gym. Meeting new people with the same interest can give your workout routine a new boost of energy.

Be Kind to Yourself

Remember that everyone has days when motivation is lacking. Be kind to yourself and accept that you're human. If you miss a workout, don't be too hard on yourself. Instead, focus on getting back into the routine the next day.

Also, listen to your body's signals. If you feel sick or extremely tired, it may be better to rest and let your body recover. Morning workouts should give you energy, not exhaust you.

By creating a morning routine that works for you, with workouts you enjoy and clothes that make you feel comfortable, you have all the prerequisites to become a morning person. Who knows, you might even start looking forward to getting up early and heading out for a run while the rest of the world is still asleep. The early bird catches the worm, especially if it includes workout endorphins!