Embrace the Early Riser Mentality: How to Make Morning Workouts a Habit

Why Summer is the Perfect Time to Start Your Mornings Early

Summer offers an excellent opportunity to cultivate an early-riser mindset. With the sun rising before 6 a.m., it’s easier to establish a morning routine, even if hitting the snooze button is tempting. Implementing a few straightforward strategies can help you transform into a morning exerciser and enjoy the numerous benefits of an early start.

The Scientific Benefits of Morning Light

Research released by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine indicates that exposure to bright morning light could aid weight loss. Those who encountered moderate to high-intensity light in the early part of the day were shown to have lower body mass indexes and body fat percentages compared to others who received their light exposure later.

Harness the Power of Morning Habits

"Mornings are prime for establishing lasting healthy habits," says a knowledgeable psychologist. The process of habit formation follows a basic neurological loop of cue, routine, and reward. When you repeat this loop adequately, the actions will eventually become automatic. The key is to select a consistent morning activity as your cue and define a rewarding experience following it.

3 Expert Tips to Kickstart Your Morning Workout Habit

1. Develop Your Reward System

   To help make walking a regular morning activity, consider pairing it with an established routine, such as feeding your pet. Once you've completed your walk, treat yourself to a small reward like a delicious cup of coffee (if you're a coffee enthusiast). Consistency is essential here; aim to repeat this every day for at least eight weeks. If you happen to skip a day, make sure it doesn't happen two days in a row so that the routine naturally evolves into a habit. Mornings often come with their own set of established routines, making them perfect anchors for creating new and healthy habits.

2. Prepare Your Workout Gear the Night Before

   Setting out your workout clothes the night prior makes it easier to get moving in the morning. According to experts, when you see your clothes ready to go, it acts as a motivating reminder. For added motivation, try sleeping in your workout attire, making it even simpler to stick to your plans as soon as you wake up.

3. Establish a Clear Plan

   Along with laying out your workout gear, consider prepping your breakfast and scheduling a workout buddy. Having a plan significantly reduces decision-making stress, which can contribute to weight gain. If you leave every decision until morning—what to eat, what to wear, whether to work out—you risk feeling overwhelmed. Instead, get everything sorted the night before to ensure a smooth transition when the morning arrives.

Start implementing these simple strategies tomorrow, and embrace the potential that comes with early rising while the sun shines brightly alongside you. Remember, you have the power to create positive changes in your routine and lifestyle. Embrace it!