POPSUGAR UK

A 7-Day Wake-Up Program to Help Train You For Morning Workouts

04/04/2018 - 06:30 AM

Morning workouts [1] aren't for everyone, but they can be life-changing [2] once you make them part of your routine. If waking up in the mornings is already your biggest challenge, you may want to try easing into things to help you form a new habit. I've made the mistake of launching straight into early workouts, when in reality I shouldn't have expected to change overnight. Just like how developing any new skill requires discipline and practice, so does becoming a morning-workout person. By the end of this seven-day program, waking up early should be a little less painful for you. But remember: baby steps.

Monday

Set your alarm to just 15 minutes before your usual wake-up time. Not too bad, right? Instead of grabbing a cup of coffee, opt for a glass of water first thing to replenish your body and give you an instant boost. Next, try some stretches [3] before starting to get ready for your day.

Tuesday

Set your alarm for 20 minutes earlier and try an energizing yoga sequence [4]. You want the flow to be simple enough to ease into but effective enough to get your blood pumping.

Wednesday

Wake up 30 minutes earlier for a quick walk or jog around your neighbourhood. To really get you pumped, listen to this hip-hop playlist [5] that's timed perfectly to your half-hour head start.

Thursday

Rise 45 minutes earlier for a HIIT workout [6] at home. Sweating along to a fun playlist [7] will help prevent you from crawling back into bed.

Friday

You're ready to wake up a full hour earlier! Treat yourself to your favourite workout class if you can or opt for a neighbourhood run followed by a celebratory coffee from your favourite cafe.

Saturday

I know it's Saturday, but you're almost there! Skip sleeping in this weekend to keep the momentum going, and set your alarm for an hour earlier again. Commit to a workout class you love — bonus points if you bring a workout buddy to hold each other accountable.

Sunday

It's your last day of wake-up practice and you've got this. Rise an hour and a half earlier for a sunrise hike or any other outdoor activity, and get ready to officially become a morning-workout person starting tomorrow.


Source URL
https://www.popsugar.co.uk/fitness/Morning-Workout-Challenge-44720776