I get up at 4:40am Mon-Fri to exercise, but not because I really want to. I am not a morning person by any means, but the early morning hours are the best time in my schedule to work out. I have to say I feel good about getting my workout accomplished at the start of my day. It gives me energy and motivation to eat healthy the rest of the day.
Despite all the benefits, I still don’t like rolling out of my warm bed when it’s still pitch black outside. I don’t enjoy changing out of my warm, soft pajamas into my workout clothes when the house is ice cold. I'm not particularly fond of tip-toeing through the bedroom using my cell phone as a flashlight so as not to disturb my sleeping husband (He goes to bed late). But I’ve stuck to this routine for several months now, and it’s since become a habit – something I ‘just do,’ even if I’d rather stay in bed and cuddle next to the sleeping hubby.
I could come up with a ton of excuses - and sometimes my mind lists them off: “you’re too tired; it’s too cold; you can exercise this evening; take a day off; etc…” However, I’m learning that excuses hinder my fitness in the long run. Excuses cater towards my desire for instant gratification, but they don’t help me accomplish my fitness goals. And I want to accomplish my fitness goals! That is more important to me than sleeping an extra hour on a cold winter’s morning.
The secret? I don't think there's a one-size-fits-all answer, and I really don't think it's a "secret." What helps me is being comitted to accomplishing my goals. I place them as priority over the comforts of staying warm in bed and relaxing. What also helps is sticking to a regular workout routine, and as I do this, it becomes a habit. The Niké company really sums it up with the excellent slogan, "Just do it." That's how I get myself out of bed to exercise these cold, dark winter mornings: the commitment to just do it.
Originally posted 2008-01-15 08:24:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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5 comments ↓
I’m committed to sleep, unfortunately. But I’ve been trying midday workouts. Depending on my work schedule.
Oh, sometimes it’s really hard to get up in the mornings! But this is what works best for me. If you’re able to workout out later in the day, and that’s what works best for you, then by all mean, stick to that (and enjoy sleeping in a little longer)!
I really need to try this. My husband has to leave for work at 4:30 a.m., and I usually wake up when he leaves. There’s no reason for me not to get up and do a workout. Well, other than that I love my nice warm bed and my sleep. Still, I do want to be healthier….
Lynnae, I wasn’t too fond of the early mornings, but they’ve since grown on me. Well, I’ll be thinking of you if you do decide to exercise early in the morning. Maybe it’ll give me added motivation knowing I’m not alone during the wee hours.
Do what works best for you, though.
I love that last comment Susan – the fact that knowing other people are around the world doing the same thing is like we are all working out early together. I am so getting up early tomorrow now. Thanks, this is just what I needed!. M.
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