Never miss another morning workout with these 6 tips

We always have good intentions, especially when we’re signing up for that 6 am yoga class. But, be real- how often do you skip an early morning workout? We’ve all been there! However, mornings are a great time to get a workout in before going to work or taking your kids to school. Not only that, getting your sweat on early helps you feel better and have more energy throughout the day. We’ve come up with six ways to help you get out of bed and to the gym before the sun rises.

1. Prep the night before-We’re not talking about just setting your alarm and knowing where your gym bag is. Make sure you have you clothes laid out and close to you so you can see them from your bed. You can even go as far as sleeping in your workout clothes if that will help. Knowing where your gym gear helps minimize the time you’ll need to prepare in the A.M. and that extra preparation gives you another reason to get out the door.
2. Go to bed (and eat dinner) early– Let’s face it, going to bed early is easier said than done, but it’s critical if you want to feel refreshed and ready for your workout. Aim for seven-eight hours of sleep, and try to eat dinner three hours before hitting the sack so you’re food will be fully digested. If falling asleep can be a problem for you, try putting your phone and laptop away an hour before bedtime.
3. Find a buddy– Morning workouts are a little less painful when you have a friend. Plus, meeting someone holds you accountable for actually showing up. Typically, if my friends and I sign up for a morning class we plan to ride together, which especially forces whoever the driver is to get out of bed and get moving.
4. Treat yourself– Take yourself to a nice coffee shop after that early yoga class. Or put $5 in a jar every time you don’t snooze your alarm and treat yourself to a mani pedi. Find an incentive that works for you and use that as motivation.
5. Make it convenient- Odds are, you’re less likely to actually go to a morning workout if it involves you driving across town. Join a gym that’s close (walking distance is ideal) or plan to go to a nearby trail to walk or jog.
6. Don’t beat yourself up- Even with this advice, it can be easy to wake up and not feel like you can get up and exercise, and that’s okay! Instead of being hard on yourself, focus on why you couldn’t get out bed and try to fix the problem for next time.

Working out early is a great way to start the day, and can help you feel way more productive and energetic throughout the day. Hopefully, these tips will help make your morning workout goals a reality!