Nailing Down Your Morning Motivation for Early Bird Woes
Got that, buddy! Let's dive into the realm of early morning workout warriors and discover their secret hacks to getting up and at 'em with gusto!
From Fitness Experts
1. A Cold Welcome
"Cold temperatures and biting winds greet me as I ride a Citi Bike to the gym — even in the winter. It's so chilly that I don't even need a cup of coffee!"- Ryan Wilke, co-founder of Throwback Fitness
2. Meditate and Mocha
"I set two alarms, mentally preparing myself for 15 more minutes of slumber before meditating for 10 minutes. A foamy almond milk cappuccino and some music cranked up to maximum volume could surely help me overcome my neighbors' irritation!"- Holly Rilinger, Nike Master Trainer and LIFTED creator
3. Be Prepared, Go to Bed Early
"Packing my workout bag the night before, I know what lies ahead. Getting into bed by 10:30 PM means that my 6:30 AM alarm clock's not as brutal as it could be. I spring out of bed with ease, ready to begin the day."- Sandee Shin, CrossFit Virtuosity athlete
4. Bright Lights
"The early-morning sun pushing me out of sleep, blinding me as soon as my alarm sounds, inadvertently becomes my personal wake-up call. It's not about coffee anymore — grinding the beans and brewing the perfect cup is no match for sunlight."- Jessi Kneeland, personal trainer and iPEC certified life coach
5. Hunger Pangs
"Pre-ordering my favorite smoothie gives me the motivation to hop out of bed and hit the sack a little earlier. With the thought of deliciousness beckoning me, there's no way I'd want to miss out on that smack-in-the-face fruitiness!"- Sarah Pope, personal trainer at Crow Hill Crossfit
6. The Crafty Alarm
"To avoid hitting snooze, I employ the use of a vicious alarm clock that rolls away from my nightstand, giggling and wreaking havoc until I must finally chase it down and click that snooze button. The initial physical struggle is the toughest part of my day."- Brian Gallagher, co-founder of Throwback Fitness
7. Tune in and Trot Out
"My favorite outfit and enjoyable playlist, combined with the excitement of moving to music, motivate me to get up and start the day. It's all downhill from there!"- Bree Branker, FitOn app trainer
8. Color Me Red and Peppermint Fresh
"Red, energizing workout clothes and a peppermint breath freshener get me going every morning. The alarm's blaring doesn't even faze me anymore. I'm a morning workout warrior, and I'm ready to face whatever the day throws at me."- Jay Cardiello, celebrity trainer
From Our Readers
9. Splash Yourself
"When I can hardly lift my limbs to touch the floor, I take a quick trip to the bathroom and splash cold water on my face. Suddenly, I'm wide awake and ready to tackle whatever the day throws at me."- Locke Hughes
10. Extra Extras
"Packing my bag the night before, I always make sure to have an extra bag for sweaty clothes and TSA-friendly toiletries at the ready. Knowing I'm equipped for whatever challenge awaits is an excellent motivation to roll out of bed."- Maria Hart
11. Brunch Buddies
"Planning a scrumptious breakfast outing with friends is my secret motivation to leave the warm confines of my bed and hit the gym. Nothing like the allure of a delicious mimosa and French toast to get both my booty and my mouth moving!"- Jeff Cattel
12. Like a Pro
"I love making energy bites packed with almond butter and oats, complete with a strong cup of coffee to fuel my morning workout commute. By the time I reach the gym, I'm raring to go and excited for the workout ahead."- Tara Goodrum
13. Furry Friends
"Four barking hounds make waking up a total breeze. I grab a leash, turn on my running shoes, and head out with canine companions as my most faithful workout partners."- Mary Muller
14. Heat It Up
"Setting the thermostat to warm up the room before I wake up and having my gym clothes laid out is the perfect fashion statement for ascending from the depths of slumber without a scratch."- Mandy Thudium
15. Stay Committed
"Friendship is the best motivator! Committing to a workout with a good group keeps me engaged and helps me crack open that eyelid and get going."- Rachel Lockwood McDonald
16. Winter's Wonders
"Shoveling snow and collecting firewood is the perfect excuse to get out of bed and gear up for the day. Keepin' it chill, folks!"- Kerstin Dorbert
17. Cozy Clothes
"Wearing comfortable pajamas and sweats won't make it any easier to jumpstart the day. Instead, I opt for some workout clothes, occupy my bag, and dream of breakfast. It works like a charm!"- Christine DiGangi
18. The Magic Bulb
"Using a wake-up light helps me slim down the snooze button's grip on me, and being organized the night before means I can breeze through my morning like a well-oiled machine."- Lauren Furmanski
From Fitness Experts and Our Readers
1. Invest in Your Health
"Physical activity is an investment in your health, and prioritizing my physical well-being motivates me to rise and shine, no matter the weather or time."- Ryan Wilke, co-founder of Throwback Fitness
2. Forge Ahead with Fortitude
"Physical challenges call for inner strength, and partaking in my morning workout routine strengthens both my body and my resilience, allowing me to tackle the day with fortitude."- Holly Rilinger, Nike Master Trainer and LIFTED creator
