Add Exercise to Your Morning Routine | Next Phase Studio

The hardest part of exercising isn’t the workout itself, but rather figuring out when to do it. If you work a 9:00 to 5:00 job, you’ve got a lot on your plate. Between taking care of your family, finding time to unwind or pursue hobbies, running errands, and volunteering, not to mention getting to work on time and enduring a commute, it’s hard to squeeze in exercise. The best time of day to exercise is the time that works best for you.

Many people find that adding exercise to their morning routine helps them to start the day on the right foot and ensures that they get a workout in before diving into the hustle and bustle of the workday. There are plenty of obstacles to a morning exercise, including lost sleep and finding time to shower before work, but there are ways to work around these—and so many benefits to morning exercise that it makes it all worth it.

Benefits of Exercise in the Morning

Does the early bird really get the worm? Consider these benefits of heading to the gym as part of your morning routine.

Energy

Forget coffee—putting exercise in your morning routine can give your mind and body a huge boost of energy. Plus, it can help your system break free of the need for a stimulant to get going in the morning.

Less Stress

Your workday is filled with enough stress. Studies have shown that exercise on a workday makes people happier at work, less stressed out, and more productive. Chronic stress causes several harmful health conditions from depression to heart disease. Reduce your risk by taking a jog or lifting weights before work.

Productivity

When you exercise in the morning, you start your workday out with a win. It’s nice to walk into the office knowing that you’ve already accomplished something great that day. This can help you keep a positive attitude and increase productivity all day long.

Better Sleep

Exercising too close to bedtime can make it harder to sleep at night. Avoid the tossing and turning and shoot for a morning workout at the gym. Plus, one study found that people who exercised in the morning spent more time in restorative REM sleep than people who work out in the afternoon or later.

Consistency

Waking up and heading straight to the gym as part of your morning routine means you’re more likely to actually exercise. Waiting until lunch break or later means that you have more time to come up with excuses to skip the workout. Work out early in the day, before you have a chance to talk yourself out of it or get overwhelmed by all you have to do that day.

How to Exercise in the Morning

So, you buy into the benefits of adding exercise to your morning routine. That alarm clock can blare bright and early, but how should you start your new exercise routine in the morning?

Start Slow

If you’re not a morning person and struggle with the idea of getting to the gym when you’d rather be sleeping, take it slowly. Start with shorter and easier routines, maybe 20 to 30 minutes, and increase the time and/or intensity after a week or two.

Plan Ahead

A great morning exercise begins with a good night’s sleep. The only way you’re getting to bed on time is if you’ve got everything done. Because there’s always more work to do, plan ahead. Mark a digital or paper calendar with time for everything you need to get done so you can make sure to check everything off your list in a timely manner and go to bed early. Plan to make sleep a priority!

Gym Buddy

Invite a friend or co-worker to meet you at the gym, or hire a personal trainer. Knowing someone is at the gym, counting on you to show up will make it easier to get out of bed and into your training shoes.

Get Ready at the Gym

Instead of heading home after exercise, plan to get ready for work at the gym. Shower, change, and put on makeup. This will save you a trip home and make it easier to balance work and exercise.

Next Phase Studio just added a set of brand-new showers, meaning after you give it all in your workout, you can rinse off and be ready for the day in no time. Learn what Next Phase Studio is all about and come work out with us today.