morning workouts

It's time. I need to start working out in the morning if I am ever going to be consistent about my training. Evening workouts are more fun for me, but life keeps getting the the way. Plus, I need to get used to exerting myself in the morning since most races are in the morning!

Any hints on how to get started? I used to be a morning person, but somehow, I lost it in the past few years. I already get up fairly early to deal with the farm animals (my chore in the mornings - DH does evenings) so I'll have to get up even earlier to train. Oy.

I know that from experience that once I get into the habit, it'll be easier. The problem is making it a habit. Help.

Can you and DH switch chore times on the morning you need to work out?

I prefer working out in the mornings, as it is too easy to get sidetracked later in the day by other obligations.

It helps to get the workout clothes ready the night before, and put them where you see them first thing in the morning. I was up at 4:30 AM this morning, and doing a weight workout by 4:40 AM. It gives me a sense of accomplishment for the day, and helps me to wake up and feel more alert and ready to take on whatever comes my way.

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Originally Posted by Veronica

Can you and DH switch chore times on the morning you need to work out?

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Perhaps, but I really want to get into the habit of doing both in the morning. I often don't get out of work until late (whereas DH is always done and home by 5 pm), so I'd like to not have any evening commitments beyond cooking dinner and cleaning the kitchen.

I will definitely consider getting him to trade with me on days where I might have a longer than normal workout planned (not an issue yet!) though, that's a good idea.

Do you have specific things in mind that would take up large blocks of time? Or can you break things down into smaller pieces?

Can you reward yourself after a task with some situps or pushups? Do dynamic stretches between the house and the field? Maybe you can combine the workout with your chores somehow.

I used to get up an hour earlier every morning and run. I'm not quite sure how I did it, but I've been trying to do that again lately. I've been slowly adjusting myself to morning workouts. I had to do it slowly so I wouldn't "notice" the earlier starts. I've been moving the morning alarm back about 5 min. every other day (except weekends). Every time I set the alarm 5 min. earlier I add something else to do. The first time it was 5 min. of crunches, then I added 5 min. of push ups, then 5 minutes of squats. Before I knew it, I was up 30 min. earlier and didn't seem to miss the sleep.

I still love to sleep in, tho...;)

Since I started working full time in July after being laid off for seven months, it was quite an adjustment to fit my work outs in. I knew the only way to keep consistent workouts was to do it in the morning before work since I have kid commitments and am still doing freelance work after my day job. I get up at 4:30am and check email and have some java for a half an hour and then hit the bike for 55 minutes. After work, I ride outdoors when I can and do a weekly spin class at the gym on Wednesday's. The key for me is not to snooze. Once the alarm goes off at 4:30, I am up and heading for the coffee maker.

Another thought, since you did post this in the tri forum, do you have an event that you're working towards? Signing up for a race, or even a big ride, can be a big motivator. Then you can develop a training plan with milestones that you really need to commit to.

~~~brief thread hijack~~~
Hey ttaylor!! -- belated congrats on getting back to work!
~~~end hijack~~~

Thanks for all the ideas, everyone! I'm not yet exactly sure how I am going to approach this, but even mentally committing to it his helping me figure it out. To be honest, I was afraid to commit to this swim clinic I am taking on Thursday nights because I thought it would just be too hard to work around in terms of my schedule but I did it anyway. Last night I realized how easily I have adapted to it once I made the decision to do it. I think the same will be true about morning workouts once I am fully ready to commit.

I have already signed up for my first tri. It's in 6 weeks and while I'm almost to the point where I know I can complete it with confidence, 6 solid weeks of training or so will really help with my enjoyment factor. This is why I want to start with the early morning thing now. That and knowing that my schedule gets busier as spring turns into summer so I'd better start this now rather than later.

Thanks again. I'll let you know how it goes!!

I work out early, too. I get up at about 4:45 most days to get animals fed and a little coffee and something to eat before I head out. It's hard.

It's easier for me when I get everything ready the night before...clothes, gear, check the morning weather forecast. I think someone up-thread mentioned this already.

But, the other thing I do that helps *a lot* is, right before lights out "remind" my husband that I'm working out in the morning. He doesn't need the reminding -- I do it because it helps cement the idea in my mind. And then, when I'm falling asleep, I sort of visualize myself getting up early, putting my workout clothes on, having my cup of coffee, and heading out the door for my run or bike ride.

It sounds hokey, but the visualizing *really* helps me actually get out of bed the next morning.