morning workouts

[GLC1968]

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.

[Veronica]

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

[bambu101]

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.

[GLC1968]

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

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.

[NbyNW]

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.

[Tri Girl]

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...

[ttaylor508]

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.