Here's How To Work Out In The Morning

Do you dream of waking up early to exercise, but tend to feel too groggy? While it can be tough to push through, there are lots of little tips and tricks that make it easier to get out of bed and into your workout gear. Here, trainers share how to work out in the morning.

Organize Your Stuff

Fitness instructor Alayna Curry recommends laying out your clothes and fitness gear the night before. Think leggings, yoga mat, water bottle, etc. — all in one place. That way you can just grab and go instead of getting overwhelmed and going back to bed.

Visualize It

Take some time the evening before to envision your workout and how it’ll make you feel. “Getting excited about your morning will make it much easier to wake up in the same headspace and ready for action,” says trainer Rob Wagener.

Hide Your Alarm

If you tend to snooze through 5 a.m. alarms, fitness coach Katie Harrell suggests stashing your phone across the room. When you get up to turn it off, use that forward momentum to carry yourself right to the gym.

Make A Plan

Wagener also recommends pre-planning your routine. Sign up for the spin class, cue up the YouTube video, or plan a detailed leg and glute routine. That way, even if you’re sleepy, you’ll know just what to do.

Try Something Low-Impact

Trainer Soji James suggests going for morning-friendly exercises that focus on mobility, like Pilates or yoga. They detangle your muscles after sleeping and pump you up for the day, he says. They’re also gentle, which is great when you’re half asleep.

Give Yourself 4 Seconds

If you find yourself lying in bed or coming up with excuses to go skip the gym, fitness pro Nicole Winhoffer suggests counting to four. “Usually if I negotiate with myself, the action doesn’t happen,” she says. “I give myself four counts, then I do it!”

Do A Warm-Up

Trainer Hannah Daugherty, PT, CS recommends doing a warm-up to get the blood flowing, especially if you’re about to do a tougher workout. It’ll shake off morning stiffness, help you feel more awake, and decrease your risk of injury, she says.

Eat Breakfast

While you might not want a big meal before a workout, it’s good to get something in your system. “Even if it’s a banana with peanut butter or some other small snack, fueling the body can keep you energized,” Daugherty says.

Schedule It

Take the time to put your early workout in a calendar, just like you would any other obligation. “Adding it to your calendar shows your commitment to yourself,” says run coach Alex Weissner.

Meet A Friend

If you can’t count on yourself to get up, Wagener suggests setting a date with a friend. “A good buddy can make a workout more enjoyable to look forward to, but they’re also excellent at keeping you on the hook if you miss your planned gym time together,” he says.

Get To Bed Early

Still struggling? Trainer Stephen Flory, CPT says you might want to go to bed earlier if possible. This is one of the simplest ways to ensure you have enough energy to exercise the following day, he says. And it makes waking up early so much easier.

Stick With It

If you aren’t used to waking up early or sweating first thing, give your body and mind time to adjust. “It may take you a couple of weeks, or it may take you a couple of months,” Flory says. But stick with it and soon you may be watching the sunrise on the regular.