Morning motivation

bluesmoosh

I hate getting up in the morning and working out. I am never motivated to do it… I exercise best in the afternoon. But starting next week I'm not going to have a choice, I'm going to have to get up at about 530 and exercise if I want to cram it in my day. How do you guys get motivated to do it?

mitchiejo

I made friends at the gym that help keep me motivated to get up early. I also bring my Kindle so I can read a good book while doing the elliptical. Eventually your body adjusts to it.

JamesDanek

Its like all habit forming. At first you force yourself to do it then after a few weeks it becomes second nature...

also going to bed as early as is reasonably possible really helps

Qnher718

My schedule affords the opportunity to wk out in the morning but I to have to motivate myself to do it. But after a couple of weeks it gets easier. It also helps to find a exercise routine you enjoy I love Leslie sansone walk away the pounds dVD.

emjaycazz

I put all of my gear out the night before so that I don't have to scramble around for them--everything down to my ponytail holder and head band. When the alarm goes off, I give myself a "everyone else sucks, you rock" pep talk.

I also look for something that is fun for me, because it helps to take away the "dread"--and try and start the workout/warmup without giving myself the chance to waver.

hypotrochoid

If you have a smartphone, set an inspirational ringtone. Nothing gets my *kitten* out of bed at 4am faster than Eye of the Tiger.

pinkstp

I agree w/ the setting your stuff up.

I have even slept in work out gear that way when I wake up, it's ponytail, shoes and get the hell to the gym!

I like how cold it is outside after running on the treadmill so I prefer late night or early morning..

ritchiedrama

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlf46GtK7Sc

witmer1

Do it till it becomes habit. Yes, the first week or so will be a pain, but when it's your routine, you'll miss it if you don't do it.

bcattoes

I too have never been a morning person. But there was a time when early morning before work was the only time I had to workout. For about 1.5 years I did it without missing more than a few sessions. I hated it every single time. It never got easier, but without it I got saggy and gained weight. So, I just did it.

celadontea

I would love to hear more tips on how to feel motivated.

Rachel0619

My motivation to work out early in the am is so that I don't have to worry about it after work. That and I am not missing time with my family. It is also really nice to start the day with extra calories

crazorbaq

sometimes i even sleep in what i am going to wear...one less thing to bug with in the am ....

TheEffort

My initial motivation was to get the workouts out of the way. Getting up between 3:30 a.m and 4:00 a.m. to workout has become a habit after a couple of years...I'm still not a morning person but I do feel much more energized after the early a.m. workout.

Loulady

You don't. You just decide to get up when your alarm goes off, and then you do it.

If I just wake up and stare at the clock from my nice bed waiting for some feeling to make me want to get up and get moving, that's not going to happen. Who WANTS to get out of bed early?

ArtemisRuns

Funny, I am about to have the exact opposite problem. Once school starts I will have to run in the afternoons, b/c it is too dark in the mornings when I would have to get up before everyone to run. Ah, well, we are going to just have to suck it up and get it done! Sooner or later it will be routine and we will get used to it.

mrsjones2point0

I love the idea of setting an inspirational ringtone! Great Idea!

I only have time in the mornings. 2x a week I have a 5 am training session - the other times it is a force to be reckoned with to get me up. . . you just have to lay there for a moment, take a deep breath, dig deep within yourself and haul *kitten* ouf of bed!

It's totally worth it when you do!!

Totally.Worth.It

bluesmoosh

Tons of great ideas guys, thanks! I've managed to get up early the last couple days. It sucks but I feel awesome once the workout is done. Getting my stuff ready the night before really helps! I love the idea of blasting EYE OF THE TIGER but I'm pretty sure my man would kill me lol.

michelledeas

A lot of great tips.

shamitz

I learnt very quickly the guilty feeling that sticks with me all day if I don't go isn't worth it. I love the feeling once I have finished my workout and can go home and feel proud, knowing I made a difference to my body today!