The New Year is a great time to reflect and make healthy changes in our lives. Each January, about one in three Americans resolve to better themselves in some way. However, statistics show that less than half of those people actually stick with their resolutions. After one month, only 64% of people stick with their resolutions, and at 6 months that number drops to 46%.
If improved fitness is your goal in 2017, what are the secrets to sticking with your resolution? A realistic and achievable plan can help you reach your goals. While the best times to workout depend on your schedule and your body, most people tend to stick with their routine when they exercise first thing in the morning. You don’t have to worry about getting out of work late and skipping the gym, and there are no social obligations in the morning hours. Additionally, morning workouts will make it easier to fall asleep and get a good night’s rest.
During the cold winter months, it can be difficult to get up early and workout when your bed is nice and warm. The results, however, are worth getting up for.
Here are some proven tips to get you motivated to stick with a morning routine:
Go to bed early.
Try to get 7 or 8 hours sleep in order to feel well rested. This will make it easier to get up for that sunrise class.
Get your bag ready before bed.
Choose your gear for the next day’s work out. Decide if you need spin shoes, a yoga mat, or non-slip socks for a Barre class. Keep your basic essentials, such as soap, deodorant, body wipes, hair ties, combination lock, etc., packed in a small TravelWise Packing Cube. Having your go-to items ready eliminates excuses.
Prep your workout clothes.
Have your gym clothes out and ready so you aren’t searching for what you need. Lay them out with the appropriate shoes so you can get dressed and out the door.
Have a delicious breakfast ready.
Knowing that a healthy and yummy breakfast is ready to eat makes for a less hectic morning. Check out our Quick and Healthy Breakfast Ideas for People “On The Go”.
Move your alarm clock out of arm’s reach.
Put your alarm clock on the opposite side of the room so you have to get up to shut it off. After you silence the alarm, grab the workout clothes that you prepped the night before and get dressed.
Wake up your senses.
Wake yourself up with bright lights and music. A splash of cold water on your face can also help. You’ll be less tempted to crawl back to bed once your senses are awake.
Have an exercise buddy waiting.
Find a workout buddy or join a regular morning exercise class. You’re less likely to let a friend or group down by skipping your fitness date.
Visualize and track your goal.
If your goal is to lose weight, choose a number that is reasonable, then break it into chunks. Losing five pounds in a month is an achievable goal. Keep track of your weight loss with the Precision Tracker Digital Bathroom Scale. The Tracker Scale shows your starting weight, your current weight, and the weight from your last weigh in. This could be the motivation you need to get up and get going.
Think about how you’ll feel afterwards.
Before you go to sleep, think about your workout and how you’ll feel after it’s completed. You’ll be more eager to get up and go in the morning.
Walk or run with a dog.
Dogs are creatures of habit and will remind you that it’s time to go out. Your furry friend needs the exercise and you’ll both be better off with a regular workout.
Get caffeinated.
Caffeine will give you an early morning energy boost and will help keep your brain engaged. Set your coffee maker to brew just before you wake up to help rev you up. Not a coffee drinker? Tea works just as well.
Commit to your routine.
Even if you aren’t motivated to workout, get ready and go anyway. Promise yourself you’ll workout for at least 15 minutes. Then, once you’re moving, you will likely find the will to keep going.
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