AM Workouts
Alright, so let’s talk working out in the morning. You see lots of people doing it, but you can’t fathom how it’s possible. It looks too hard, too tiring, too time restricting, etc. Here is the thing, that previous sentence is everything I USED to say about working out in the morning. I would get my workouts done no doubt, but you wouldn’t catch me in the gym in the morning, no chance!
Here is what changed. First, would be time. My days are pretty full with clients, so when I do have time during the day I want to utilize to either complete work projects, have a walk, or play some music. When I have free time, I want to be in control of it and completing my workout right away is how I give myself the freedom to choose what I am doing with my time.
Second thing is mental freedom. I love how I feel after a workout, but I still view a workout as a task that needs to be completed. Getting my work out done early frees my mind from the responsibility of that workout I know I have to do. Additionally, the longer I go through the day without the workout, the motivation to do so begins to wane. Just like money, I want to pay myself first before I expend energy in other areas throughout the day.
Third, is intermittent fasting. I am not someone that started this to lose weight, what I wanted was to learn how to operate without needing food all the time. Doing this over the course of a year has allowed me to exercise and go an extended period of time without needing food. Understanding the difference between real hunger and appetite has given me more time in the morning where I am not dependent on cooking a giant breakfast to get my workout done.
Fourth is sleep. By getting up earlier, I am more tired at the end of the day which is improving my sleep quality. My improved sleep quality and consistency of bed and wake up times allows those AM workouts to be much easier!
Fifth and finally is improved mood. Anyone in my house knows I essentially don’t like speaking for 60 min after getting up and personally; I don’t like that and don’t want to be that person. In getting my exercise done I become more alert, energetic, and have an immediately improved outlook on my day. This has positive effects on my family and also gets me excited to start training my morning clients!
That has been my experience so far with AM workouts. Here are some tips to help make the changes that you want to!
AM workouts start the night before. PLAN! Pack your clothes, shoes, food, and get it by the door so you are ready to go and you have mentally set your mind for your workout tomorrow.
Repeat step 1. Get to bed at a time that allows you to feel good in the morning. If you are not planning on getting the rest you need to get up, you will burn out your ability to get out of bed.
Prepare to be disciplined. It might not feel good at first but it is going to take time to realize the benefits of what you are doing. Stick with it and the benefits you are seeking will come along!
Give the AM a try, I can’t ever see myself going back to the day’s or nights because there is just too much else I am able to do now that my time has been freed up. I feel better physically, mentally, and socially and if this is something you think you want to do, give it a try. If you need help on how to get going in the morning, I am here to help.
