Morning Workouts
6am *snooze*
6:10am *snooze* Thinks to self, "I should get up?"
6:20am *snooze*
Thinks to self "I'm going to sleep all day, who needs a paycheck?
6:22am *gets out of bed. feels awake immediately after standing*
Who else does this? I will lay in bed feeling exhausted, but as soon as I convince myself to get up, I'm immediately awake. I think there's a spell on my bed that tries to make me stay there all day, even if my body doesn't need the rest.
On another day:
5:20am *gym alarm*
5:22am
Thinks to self "I want to sleep (just because I can), but I don't need to."
On these days, the ones I go to the gym before the crack of dawn, I just have to tell myself "GET UP." If I hit snooze on these days, I just lay there feeling guilty about not going to the gym and end up not even getting the extra sleep the lovely snooze button is supposed to provide. I have never done morning workouts before the current 6-week program - they aren't required, I could go in the evenings - but some days they just work better in my routine.
I used to be so confused by people who could go to the gym before an 8-hr/day job (this means you, Rachel). But now I understand. I'll admit, I often sleep in my gym clothes so that all I have to do in the morning is brush my teeth, take some pre-workout, throw on my Nikes and go. (Note: Berry flavored pre-workout tastes awful after brushing your teeth, so maybe do that first)
Let me elaborate on why you should get over your self-doubt of being able to workout before work. I promise, if I can do it, you can definitely do it.
There's an amazing thing that happens between 5am and 6am at the gym - the equipment you need is actually available. The Gold's Gym I go to is busier than I expected first thing in the morning, but certainly less so than in the evenings. The yoga studio is empty if I want to do lunges or abs in there....or you know, take a selfie in all the mirrors for my IG (see below). The majority of people who are there that early are super into their own workout that they will pay no attention to you, so if you trip over a bench, no one will laugh at you. If you're afraid people will judge you for the weight you're lifting, they won't even notice. Frankly, they don't in the evenings either. There is no need to be self conscious in the gym, no matter who you are, your size, or your strength. Be there for yourself.
There are two bigger perks to morning workouts: 1) you don't have to go in the evening, you can just relax or spend the extra time in the evening doing your meal prep, and 2) endorphins. I think #1 sells itself, so let's talk about #2. Endorphins are the "feel good" hormones your body produces. The harder and longer you work out, the more endorphins your body will release. Working out in the morning really does boost your mood, energy level, and focus throughout the day.
Here are some other benefits to morning exercise:
► It allows an easier opportunity for fasted cardio, which has been shown to increase lipolysis and fat oxidation (this means fat loss). If fasting isn't for you, eat something high in carbs and low in fat (like a small banana) before you hit the gym. And make sure to eat something high in protein after your workout!
► Testosterone, which aids in muscle building, is highest in the morning
► You have fewer distractions in the morning. You won't be thinking about how you have to get home and do all the chores, feed your kids, or whatever other obligations you may have. Maybe you use those as an excuse to cut out early on your evening workouts...?
► It will boost your metabolism. There's something called Excess Post-Exercise Oxygen Consumption, which means your body will continue to burn calories after a workout (especially after HIIT). So once you sit down at your desk for the next 8-hours, your body will still burn calories for some portion of that time.
► It's a good practice in self discipline, and others will envy your ability to do it. (They can to, they just don't know it yet)
So, you want to start working out in the morning? Here's how to do it: JUST GO. Most importantly, cut the excuses. (This isn't meant to be harsh, trust me, I'm a pro at hitting snooze and making excuses). Feel free to visit the Contact page and send me a message with any input or questions. Thanks for reading!
-The Girl