10 Ways to Rise and Sweat
“I can’t get out of bed early to exercise in the morning. I just can’t. It’s impossible.”
That's a common statement I hear from people when they find out I schedule all my gym time for mornings.
Um, actually, nothing is impossible. Just set your alarm + MAKE IT HAPPEN.
I do realize it's hard to get started, so here are 10 ways to get yourself psyched to sweat with the sunrise.
1 ) Sleep in your (clean) workout gear.
The hardest step is the first step, so eliminate it. Roll out, lace up + get moving.
2) Prep the night before.
Have your gym bag packed, shoes by your bed, water, protein shake + car keys on the counter. Set the scene for your goal + you’re more likely to follow-through in the morning.
3) Pay a personal trainer.
Book that appointment + put some cash on the line. You’re definitely not going to waste your hard-earned money. No cheating, either — schedule an EARLY session!
4) Start small.
Though I'm full-throttle (I can’t help it!), some people are more successful when they don’t go from zero to 60. If you’re one of those people, try starting with 20 jumping jacks or burpees in your living room. Start with 20. Then do 30. Then do 50. Before you know it, you’ll have a full routine in no time! New to fitness + a little freaked? Simply start with some stretching to ease into the idea of morning moving — it’s an easy peasy way to train your body + brain that this is the new norm.
5) Shake it.
Dancing, disguised as exercise is not only genius, it's fun! Sign-up for a morning dance class or simply create a playlist filled with your fave dance tunes, set that alarm, get up, and shake it like a polaroid picture.
6) Earn Sweat Equity — Literally.
Rewards aren’t just for kids. Give yourself $5 for every day you workout. Get fit while practicing the fine art of saving — it’s a win-win!
7) Get a workout buddy.
Whether you pick a friendly accountability partner or a fitness foe that’ll motivate you to hustle harder, find the person voted most likely to push you harder than you’d ever push yourself.
8) Post before + after pics.
Enough of the kissy-face selfies. Seriously. Show your friends what you can really do when you commit.
9) Goal Share with Your Friends.
Your friends can’t support you if you don’t share your new goals. Tell them about your new commitment + let them play a role in your success (like not indulging in Wine Night Wednesdays when you have a 6AM Thursday spin class).
10) Get some killer outfits.
No one is motivated to exercise in saggy sweats + boxy novelty t-shirts. Buy quality gear that fits + makes you feel strong + sexy (including footwear). It’s not indulging, it’s investing in your health.
11) [Yes, eleven. Because we go above and beyond here.]
Try Toasty Tricks for Cool Weather.
Not a fan of sleeping in workout gear or sliding cold clothes on in the morning? Snuggle them under your pillow so they’re warm when you wake up. For an added blast of warmth, toss them in the dryer for 2 minutes or stand in front of a portable heater — then amp-up your workout to stay warm in that cool weather!
Ready to get going? I believe in you. If I can do it, so can you.
One day, and one step at a time — that’s the Morning Movement.