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So the a.m. isn’t your cup of tea (or coffee)? In her new book, Own Your Morning, Women’s Health editor in chief Liz Baker Plosser says it can be. Try her wake-up workout tips, which will set a can-do tone for the rest of your day.
When your alarm rings first thing in the morning, you may just want to groan, roll over and go back to sleep, and I totally get that! I feel it too.
But I’ve discovered that when I work in a workout first thing in the morning, I feel so much better for the rest of the day — I’m focused, clearheaded and much calmer. If you want to sample the endorphin high that follows a sunrise sweat but don’t consider yourself a morning person, trust me: It gets easier and better as your body becomes accustomed to the perks that movement unlocks.
Brooke Baldwin, a former CNN anchor and author of Huddle, says about her morning workout, “I love that by 8 a.m., I know I’ve already done the hardest physical thing I’ll do all day. So throw anything my way. Bring it on, world.”
Here, five strategies to get you going strong:
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✔️ SET A GOAL. Think of something that would be really cool to do: a handstand, a dance routine, a pull-up. Then come up with a plan for how to get there. Keeping your eyes on the prize can be the inspiration you need to get out of bed, and checking it off your list will give you the confidence to face any other challenges that morning.
✔️ MAKE YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE. I like to share my fitness goals on Instagram; then I’m committed to making them happen. Tell your friends, tweet about it or hire a trainer to work with you. When you remember that you’ve announced your morning workout plan to someone else, it will give you that extra little push to get out of bed.
✔️ EAT FOR ENERGY. If you need a breakfast bite (not everyone likes to eat before exercise, and that’s fine), choose simple carbs that break down quickly along with small amounts of protein and fat. Some great options: almonds and a small orange or peanut butter with toast, a banana or fruit leather.
✔️ GET IN A QUICKIE. Slept through your alarm? No worries — you need only 10 minutes for my go-to workout: Do 1 minute of jump squats (with your feet a little wider than hip-width, squat down, then jump high), then 1 minute of whatever kind of push-ups you can do. Alternate for 10 minutes total. Rest and take water breaks as needed!
✔️ CELEBRATE! I finish each workout with a “Go, me!” or a high five or a jump into the air. Each victory boosts confidence, and that sense of accomplishment pushes you to tackle the next thing on your agenda. So let the morning kudos give you momentum for the rest of the day!
For more ways to start strong, pick up Own Your Morning by Liz Baker Plosser.
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