About two months ago, I switched my time-of-day routine from night to day. I know we are new friends, so here’s a background of my exercise routine and a couple quirks about me.
For almost four years, I was an after work exerciser. I would always hit the gym, yoga studio, or the outdoors by 6 p.m. All day I would think about what exercise I wanted to do that night, make sure I left work at the same time, then crunch in a shower, dinner, TV, and get ready for the next day. Didn’t I realize how exhausting that becomes?!
I am also a creature of habit. I like routine, I like to plan! Two times I tried and failed at waking up early to exercise. I worried the night before about falling asleep, being too tired the next day, and not having a quality workout before the sun comes up. But when I finally got the hang of it, I am hooked! There are so many benefits that I have no reason to switch back. To name a few:
- I love feeling that I have accomplished something before 7:30 a.m.
- I literally added 2 waking hours to my day (granted, I go to sleep a little earlier).
- I am more social at night. I can see friends, run errands, go out to dinner, and not be a sweaty mess!
- It’s nice to drink 25 ounces of water and work up a sweat before breakfast.
- I can watch the sunrise, and exercise before it gets to be 100 degrees outside!
- I can spend quality time with my puppy and husband at night, not rush around the house, and cook a real dinner.
- I don’t feel guilty about wanting to go home and watch TV. I’ve already exercised!
- I really do have more energy and feel more awake all day long.
- I eat clean all day long for two reasons–a. I need to fuel my body properly to make my workouts work best. b. I didn’t wake up at 5:32 a.m. to put crap in my body! Make it worth it!
Here are a few tips to getting the hang of a morning workout:
- Lay your clothes out the night before. Water bottle and towel too.
- Pick music for your ipod that literally makes you jumpy while you’re sitting there making the playlist.
- Plan out your workout before you get to the gym. Nothing worse than getting there, looking at the machines, and thinking “now what do I do?”
- Don’t try to go to bed earlier than you’re used to. If you aren’t tired, you probably can’t fall asleep. After a few early mornings, you’ll be tired enough!
- Make plans at night so that you have to get it overwith in the morning. Otherwise, you’ll just put it off until later.
- Make a buddy do it with you. Or take a class. Takes the thinking out of what to do for an hour. Just follow instructions!
- Have a hearty breakfast ready for after. You’ll enjoy it more knowing you worked for it.
Which do you prefer–morning or night–and why?
I actually switch it up. I do spin and crossfit and yoga all in the mornings but if its just my “by myself” workout I do lunch time. My gym is always empty and I can watch E! While Im running on the treadmill. I love working out in the mornings though, you’re right you feel pretty accomplished by the time you get ready for the day knowing you dont have to worry about it later.
First of all, I love that you blog. Second of all, I love that it’s about food and exercise, which are two of my MOST favorite things!!
I’m an all day person. I get up at 5:00, run two miles, do the breakfast thing, shower, and lay down to watch the news in the morning before work. I walk another two miles on my “lunch break” at work (I eat at my desk, no one cares, and then go for my walk). Then I top my day off with usually a 6 mile bike ride when I get home. It’s fabulous. I’m not training for anything, my ultimate goal is just to be active, no matter what I’m doing. But, if I were to vote, I’d say mornings are the best because it jump starts your metabolism and generally just gets you going for the day!
I look forward to reading more Marci!!
I recently moved to Chicago and am definitely seeing and feeling the pounds from all of the hot dogs and deep dish pizza this great city has to offer. But now I am back in the gym and back to a healthier routine. Still haven’t made it to the gym in the AM, but it’s a goal. I love the recipes and food recommendations.
Thanks for sharing, Marci!
Hi Marci,
I love your blog! I started mine yesterday. I am still trying to figure it all out. Can I add your blog to my blogroll? I love all your food suggestions. I am going to get the dark chocolate peanut butter tomorrow.
Erica–I’d love you to add me to your blogroll! What is your site and I will add you to mine.
I will add you right now.
http://ericaribnick.wordpress.com/
I’m a dedicated morning runner — it’s just more predictable. I never know when I’ll be at work late and don’t like to miss my runs while I’m at the hospital.