I’m a huge planner, many times to a fault. I just finished my second week of morning workouts, and it’s been more successful than anticipated. I never thought I would be a morning workout person. I’m the one who could sleep all day if nothing woke me up. If I can hit the gym before the office then anyone can. I thought I’d share what has helped me achieve success in my morning workout routine, and it really all comes down to proper planning.
My key to getting to the gym in the morning starts way before my 5 a.m. alarm goes off. I do a lot of preparation the evening before. The goal is to make the morning as mindless as possible while my brain is still waking up.
I make a batch of overnight oats so that breakfast is one less thing I need to think about doing after my workout. I can just grab it and go on my way to the office.
I also lay out my workout clothes for the next day. In the morning, I just need to stumble my sleepy body into the guest room (to not disturb sleeping Kevin), where my outfit is already laid out on the dresser.
The night before, I also fill up a water bottle and put it in the fridge. In the morning, I can grab it and chug some water first thing in the morning and continue to sip all the way to the gym. I also try to drink a lot of water the evening before. Constant hydration is very important.
It’s really hard for me to eat in the morning, but I need the fuel to have an effective workout. I read a bunch of articles about how Fig Newtons are good pre-workout fuel because they give you quick energy. Cheese also has the same effect. I grab two whole grain Fig Newtons and a mini Babybel for my workout. It takes no time to consume, and they’re pretty inexpensive.
Next to the front door, I place my purse and all my gym gear to grab the next morning. It’s my final stop before I’m out the door.
Having a plan makes me feel like I’m prepared every morning for my workout. I may be tired, but my morning is planned out, so I shouldn’t feel rushed, stressed or frazzled. Plus, I went to all that trouble to prepare, so I can’t wimp out when the alarm finally goes off.
Garden update
The tomato vines have been growing like crazy. We actually had to buy some reinforcements so they wouldn’t topple over on themselves.
And, we had our first bounty!
At last we have one tomato ready to be picked.
It was worth the wait. I sliced it up and placed a couple on my burger for dinner, and then I ate the rest of the slices plain. The tomato was really sweet and delicious. It tastes even better since Kevin and I grew it. I can’t wait until we have some more fruit ready to be eaten.
Whether you workout in the mornings or evenings, do you have any tricks for workout success?
Your tomato plants are so cute!! I would kill those damn things. Ha ha.
I am NOT a morning person, but I have to work out in the morning. I get all of my crap ready the night before and set my alarm for 4:50. It takes me about 20-25 minutes to wake up and then I get going. It’s easier if I have a class to go to or if I’m meeting a friend. I have to be AT the gym at 5:30 to get a spin bike. It’s much harder if I’m running by myself.
I’m running in the morning and I’m already dreading rolling out of bed – even if I’m not dreading the run!
Those are actually all really helpful tricks. I’d like to do morning runs on the weekends (and maybe pre-work yoga classes when possible) but my body loves the bed too much. Prepping ahead of time just might be the trick though!
I tried the morning routine for a while last year and loved it while it lasted! I work out at night right after work now, but sometimes it’s still hard to get motivated. If I’m feeling like I don’t have time for the gym or one of the hundreds of other excuses there are, I convince myself to go and at least do cardio. Chances are, once I get there I’ll be motivated to get a full workout in. Sometimes the hardest part is getting myself there!
I’m a huge fan of sleeping so morning workouts are usually tough for me. So far, I’ve been pretty unsuccessful at actually getting out of bed (bc I always wake up, and then rationalize going back to sleep). Hopefully some of your tips can help! Thanks!
You are so organized in the morning! I wish I was as organized as you. I should start planning my outfits the night before I wake up. I can never decide what to wear in the morning. Love the tomatoes! You are going to save so much money by growing them yourselves!
You are prepared girl! Love my morning workouts
Oh my… I need to follow your example! Typically I’m running around like a chicken with its head cut off!
My number one tip for working out in the AM: workout with someone. Knowing that someone is counting on you to show up helps get you out of bed.
Great job!
I give you so much credit for preparing so thoroughly for your morning workouts! I usually workout after work, so in order to go straight there, I bring my gym bag with me to work.
I tried to do morning workouts but I find I am a lot better at working out at night and getting a few more minutes of sleep in the morning.
As soon as the weather gets warm enough in NYC, I am planning on planning a veggie garden too. Nothing like fresh veggies that you grew yourself!
Love your tomatos! And, your morning routine is much like mine for my morning runs. Everything is placed the night before; clothes out and ready; shoes waiting by the door; phone charged. It’s so much easier when you don’t have to worry about it with sleepy eyes and foggy mind