Many people like to plan their workouts for the evening
hours – what’s wrong with a little more time to sleep before starting a busy
day? However, as we all know, things tend to come up that we haven’t planned
for. Happy hours, work-related issues, or maybe even a romantic date could put
your workout plans on the backburner. Besides, it’s easy to become unmotivated
throughout the day when the idea of Netflix and sweatpants sounds a lot better than
the treadmill.
If this is something that happens to you, your only solution
may be to start working out in the AM. Sounds easy, right? Not so much. It’s a
lot easier to hit the snooze button and sleep in than lace up your sneakers and
hit the gym. So, how do people reset their bodies and get up for 5am workouts?
Here are some lifestyle changes to consider to help you become a new morning
person. Early bird gets the worm!
Eat Healthy Dinners
According to Noah Neiman, master trainer at Barry’s Bootcamp
in New York City, the meal you eat the evening before a morning workout will
affect how you feel. Heavy, rich meals will make you feel sluggish and
unmotivated, while lean proteins, vegetables and healthy fats will make you
feel energized. Leslie Bonci, RD, founder of Active Eating Advice and the
director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center,
recommended that meals are eaten 90 minutes prior to going to bed. This allows
your stomach to digest the food before hitting the hay. Bonci also recommended
snacking on melatonin-rich roods before bedtime (try walnuts or cherries).
Melatonin is linked to helping people fall asleep faster.
Go to Bed Earlier
Experts recommend 7 to 8 hours of sleep, so naturally it’s
easier to wake up if this amount is met. Joe Holder, Nike+ trainer and Nike Run
coach, explained that the body has an internal circadian rhythm that you should
try not to interrupt. Limit screen time before turning in. The blue light is
linked to affecting the ability to fall asleep.
Give Yourself Some
Motivation
If you’ve got a new playlist you’re looking forward to
listening to, you’ll be more excited to wake up in the morning hours.
Self-motivation is the strongest form of motivation, according to Neiman. The
body will adapt to your new workout times and respond to the stimulus you
present it.
Find a Workout Buddy
Make plans to meet a friend at the gym to hold you
accountable – you’ll be far less likely to bail if someone is waiting for you!
Prepare
Set out your gym clothes the night before, and make a
pre-exercise snack that you can grab. Set up your coffee pot to start brewing,
so once you’re up, everything is easy for you.