8 New Ways to Become and Stay a Morning Exerciser
Follow these tips to make rising and sweating with the sun no sweat
Working out in the morning sounds great: It's one thing off your to-do list, it energizes you for the day, you may catch some amazing sunrises, and, of course, you're less likely to blow it off. “People who work out in the early morning tend to stay more consistent because there are less obstacles at 6:00 a.m. than there are at 6:00 p.m.,” says Chris Freytag, a national fitness expert and American Council on Exercise board member.
All well and good, but if actually waking up that early—and then sticking to routine for good—is still an obstacle for you, follow these simple tips, and you'll be up and running (or lifting, or swimming, or…you get the point) on a regular basis in no time.
Java is the first thing most people think of (and reach for) when they want a jolt in the morning, but it's not the best choice for the lasting energy you need to give it your all throughout your gym sesh. Leave the coffee for after your workout and have two glasses of water instead, suggests Tamal Dodge, a certified yoga instructor and star of the DVD Element: Yoga for Energy & Relaxation. Agua helps alkalize your body and provides energy that will sustain and motivate you to get through your a.m. routine, he says.
