We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are the Best Tips for Doing Morning Exercise?

By Dee Jones
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 6,006
Share

For some, life is so hectic that finding time to exercise can be a chore. This is why so many people have started doing morning exercise routines, scheduling workouts before the day truly begins and becomes too busy and demanding. Those who decide to do a workout in the morning should do as much preparation as possible the night before, from setting out workout clothes, to deciding on the type of workout it will be and preparing accordingly. Creating pre-workout and post-workout routines, and following those routines every day will turn doing a morning exercise routine into an ingrained habit.

One mistake many people make is not preparing for a morning workout. While it doesn’t seem like it would make much difference, the less someone has to do in the time between getting out of bed and doing his morning exercise routine, the more likely he is to stick to doing morning workouts every day. At night, pull out and set aside the necessary workout gear so it will be close to hand and ready to put on. If working out to a workout on DVD, pop the DVD into the DVD player before going to bed. Someone who goes for morning runs should have his shoes and socks set out and ready to put on. Set an alarm clock to go off early enough that there will be plenty of time to do the morning exercise routine without feeling too rushed.

Starting and sticking to a morning exercise routine can be a challenge, but turning it into an ingrained habit, something that gets done almost automatically at a given time, can make things much easier. Get up at the same time every morning, and follow the same pre-workout routine. Also follow the same routine after the workout, which might include taking a shower, eating breakfast, and preparing for work. Many people find that creating a reward for successfully sticking to a morning exercise routine for a certain period of time can also be beneficial.

It’s important to eat something both before and after doing a morning workout. Trying to workout on an empty stomach can be a miserable experience that, over time, can make someone lose the motivation to do morning workouts at all. Eating too much before a morning exercise routine, however, can make an individual feel heavy, weighed down and, in some cases, even nauseous. So, before a morning workout, try to eat something light that will keep the hunger pangs at bay. After the workout, indulge in a breakfast that’s filling but nutritious.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
By wavy58 — On Apr 19, 2012

@Oceana – It may be the type of workout you have planned that is filling you with dread. A jog sounds like a pretty intense workout for someone who has just awakened. Perhaps you should consider something a bit more low intensity.

Personally, I have to do a workout that I enjoy early in the morning, or I won't do it at all. I have a dance aerobics DVD that I love, because it isn't too physically demanding, and it is fun to do.

On mornings when I don't feel like following a certain routine, I will just turn on an upbeat CD and freestyle dance. It doesn't matter how I look doing it. What matters is that I am working out my muscles and increasing my heart rate while having fun, and that is much more beneficial than lying in bed.

By Oceana — On Apr 18, 2012

I can't seem to get motivated to go for a jog in the morning. I have tried several times to wake up thirty minutes earlier than usual to do this, but every time the alarm goes off, I decide that I would rather have the extra sleep than the workout. It may sound like a great idea at night, but in the morning, I ask myself what I was thinking.

How can I make myself get up and get going? I go to bed at a reasonable hour, and I sleep rather soundly. Just the thought of getting active that early makes me groan.

By seag47 — On Apr 18, 2012

@cloudel – I also try to eat just a small amount before my workout. However, I have found that I need to wait until after the exercise to drink my coffee.

Some of my friends drink coffee before going on a run. I tried it once, and I felt way too full. I put creamer in my coffee, and this seems to make it more filling.

Also, all that liquid flopping around in your stomach does not feel good when you are in motion. I save my coffee until after my morning shower. That way, it helps wake me up, because the energy loss from the workout and the soothing heat from the shower can make me sleepy.

By cloudel — On Apr 17, 2012

I have to be careful what I eat before a morning workout. I must make it a very small snack, or else, I will become nauseous and quit.

I have found that eating a granola bar works best. It isn't too sweet or too filling, but it gives me the energy I need to do the workout. Also, it keeps my stomach from growling, so I'm not distracted by hunger.

I sometimes substitute a small banana for the granola bar, and it works just as well. I do have to drink water with it, though, or I will get stomach pains during the workout.

Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-best-tips-for-doing-morning-exercise.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.