If you're thinking of giving morning workouts a try, whether for weight loss or just because they work in your schedule, the transition can be tough. "Dip your toe in first," Larry said. "Start easy and find out if it's tolerable for you." If you find that evening or afternoon workouts just work better for you, don't force it.
If you are giving morning workouts a try, though, Shayna offered three key tips:
- Start with at-home workouts. "If all you have to do is roll out of bed and open your computer or an app, you're far more likely to get it done," she told POPSUGAR. It's one less obstacle in the way of you and your workout, which can sometimes make all the difference. Try this at-home bodyweight workout and see how you like it.
- Set out your workout clothes and gear the night before. The less you have to do in the morning before your workout, the better chance you have of making it happen. Put your socks in your shoes, lay out your leggings and sports bra, fill up your water bottle. "No matter how half-asleep I am, everything is there and ready for me and I don't have to wander around, bumping into lamps as I find a sports bra," Shayna said.
- Remember that it's worth the struggle. "Every time you listen to the voice that says, 'Get out of bed,' instead of the one that says, 'Five more minutes,' you're more likely to create a lifestyle change," Shayna told POPSUGAR. Little tricks can help, but at the end of the day, it's repetition and consistency that make a habit. As much as you can, remind yourself how good you'll feel after the workout. "You'll be so glad that you did it," Shayna said. "Fight through that one sticky moment."
Everyone who works out in the morning has their own strategies for making it happen, including waiting to watch favourite TV shows until you're on the treadmill. If it's something you want to try, experiment and see what makes it worth it for you.
Image Source: Getty / Geber86