How to Create an Effective Morning Workout Routine to Revitalize Your Day
Working out in the mornings offer some incredible benefits, including feeling more energetic, more focused, and less stressed for the rest of the day. Check ou
Working out in the mornings offer some incredible benefits, including feeling more energetic, more focused, and less stressed for the rest of the day. And for many people, working out in the morning is the best way to ensure that you actually get exercise into your busy schedule.
Do you want to kickstart your day with an invigorating workout but intimidated by the prospect of hitting the gym early? Check out these tips to create an effective morning workout routine that will revitalize your daily life.
Go to bed on time
The first step to creating a successful morning workout routine begins the night before. The CDC recommends 7+ hours of sleep a night for adults, so it’s really important to go to sleep on time to ensure a solid night’s rest.
Set a realistic wake up time and then, choose a bedtime that will allow you to get the amount of sleep your body needs to be healthy and function well.
Have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep? Check out these 33 tips from our blog to improve your nightly rest and start the day with more energy.
Eat a healthy breakfast
We’ve all heard the saying that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and that is even more true for someone who chooses to workout in the morning.
Some studies show that exercising on an empty stomach can help with weight loss, but it can also cause your body to use stored protein as energy. Protein is needed to build and repair muscles after a workout. It can also lower blood sugar levels which could cause lightheadedness, nausea, or shaky muscles.1
Whether you eat before or after your workout in the A.M, make sure you eat a protein-packed breakfast like these egg-cellent recipes to give your body energy and to help your body refuel and recover.
Make sure you also drink a glass of water to replenish and rehydrate your body. (Bonus! Studies have found that drinking water first thing in the morning increases your metabolic rate by 30%).2
Have a plan + be prepared
Having a plan and being prepared can set you for success in creating your daily workout routine.Knowing what workout program or exercise you plan to do each morning helps you jump right in instead of wasting time trying to get it all together.
We all encounter rough mornings from time to time. You know the ones where nothing seems to be going right. Having a backup workout plan to turn to on those mornings can ensure you get your exercise in and help turn your whole day around.
Also, make sure you have your workout clothes, (and if you’re going to the gym, your bag and keys) ready to go the night before. This will save you time and the hassle in the morning, making way for a smooth start to your workout.
Find what motivates you
Of course it is important to know why you exercise, but sometimes you need a bit extra help to avoid hitting that dreaded snooze button. External motivators can really help you get up and get active.
Place your alarm across the room to make sure you get up when it goes off. Create a playlist to listen to while you get ready. Look to the saints for encouragement. Write your why on a sticky note and leave it on your mirror; read it aloud.
Find what makes you excited for your morning workout routine.
Don’t skip the stretching!
You might be tempted to jump right into your workout or abruptly end a workout, but stretching before and after you exercise is vital to create an effective fitness routine and avoid injuries.
Stretching keeps the muscles flexible and strong; and stretching early in the morning helps to truly wake your body up.
Every Pietra Fitness class begins with this necessary step to set you up for achieving your fitness goals.
With Pietra Fitness’ unique combination of exercise and prayer, you will not only prioritize your physical health but your spiritual health as well––a surefire way to start your day on the right foot.
