The Power of Morning Workouts: 5 Secrets to Sticking to a Routine

The early bird gets the worm and that's even more the case when it comes to morning workouts.

According to research, morning workouts are the most effective to boost your concentration and alertness. Exercise in the morning can also reduce your appetite, increase your metabolism to burn fat faster through the day, and support better health in general. 

Unlocking the power of morning workouts can be a challenge, though, particularly for those who prefer to stay in bed. However, there are ways to motivate yourself to enjoy the rewards of morning exercise. By implementing these strategies, you can unlock the full benefits of a morning workout. 

The Benefits of Morning Workouts

Beyond breaking a sweat, morning exercise has many benefits that can positively impact your physical health, mental clarity, and overall quality of life. It can: 

• Give you more energy as it releases endorphins, the "feel-good" hormones, which leave you feeling energized and ready to tackle anything.

• Enhance your mood and reduce stress levels thanks to the release of serotonin and dopamine, natural stress relievers.

• Sharpen your mental focus and enhance cognitive function, setting the stage for increased productivity throughout the day.

• Foster discipline and consistency, creating a habit that becomes part of your daily life.

• Give you better sleep – the more physical activity you have during the day, the deeper you’ll sleep at night.

• Kickstart your metabolism, leading to more effective calorie burning throughout the day.

• Knowing that you've started the day positively increases your self-esteem and confidence.

5 Ways to Sticking to a Routine 

Whether you prefer to work out in the morning or the evening, consistency is key, and the key to creating consistency is routine. It takes work to establish a consistent morning workout routine. 

1. Morning Alarm

The first step in sticking to a routine is following through, which means getting up when your alarm tells you to. If you already struggle with this, you can do it gradually by setting your alarm five minutes earlier. You can do the same with your sleep time, pushing it by five minutes at a time. Light exposure can also help; try limiting your caffeine intake in the afternoons and evenings. 

2. Preparation

If you want to follow through, you must remove obstacles and excuses from your path. You can do this by preparing for the morning, whether selecting your outfit and laying it out easily, preparing your protein shake, breakfast or meals the night before, setting a timer on the coffee machine, or having everything waiting for you at the front door. 

3. Workout Plan

Building a routine is easier if your habits reinforce the rest of your habits. For example, sleeping earlier makes you more likely to wake up on time when your alarm rings. If you wake up earlier after a good night's sleep, you are likelier to choose healthy food over sugar-laden treats. It all ties together, and if you use interlinked habits to your benefit, you can establish a morning routine that includes exercise. 

That also means creating a workout plan that works for you – change it up daily, and think about what else your day entails to make the most of your regimen. Yoga can significantly influence your regimen as cardio in strength exercises. 

4. Accountability Partner

There are two different ways to leverage the power of an accountability partner. You can either reach out to someone with similar fitness goals, encourage each other, and make accountability a team effort. Or, you can tell the people around you about your morning workout plans and allow them to motivate and encourage you along the way. 

5. Morning Classes

If you don't feel confident in your ability to get up and enjoy a morning workout or home or even in the gym, consider enrolling in a morning class that forces you out of bed. When you join others who share a common goal and determination to lead a healthier lifestyle, the energy can be infectious, inspiring you to push your boundaries and give it your all.

Final Thoughts 

A consistent morning workout routine is a positive way to start your day and sets the tone for how the rest will unfold. With the metabolism boost and fat-burning increase, you will maximize the benefits of working out in the mornings and start making better decisions. Setting a consistent workout routine is a great benefit to your physical and mental health, as well as to your emotional state.