Q:

I can only work out early in the morning. Do you have any tips for motivating myself to get out of bed and to the gym?

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Answers (7)

EXPERT
Katie Humphrey, CPT (Certified Personal Trainer, Health & Empowerment Coach) answered (8/4/2010)

If you want to get out of bed first thing in the morning, my best advice is to first go to bed earlier. Plan on getting at least eight hours of sleep and you will feel refreshed in the morning and be more likely to exercise.

You can also set out your exercise clothes, shoes and towel by your bed, so it's easy to get dressed and, when you open your eyes, you will be immediately reminded of going to the gym.

Another way to psych yourself into working out is to write out the top 10 reasons you feel it's imperative you exercise and post them on your bathroom mirror.

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EXPERT
Samantha Lynch MS, RD, CDN (Registered Dietitian) answered (8/6/2012)
Try putting your alarm clock somewhere in your room where u have to get out of bed to turn it off. Sometimes the hardest part is literally getting out of bed! Also, lay out your gym clothes the night before and make a deal w yourself. If u are too tired once u start working out u can go home and back to bed. This is a trick I use and can honestly say I have never gone home once I started working out. Good luck!
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EXPERT
Ixchel Mendoza (Certified Personal Trainer) answered (8/9/2012)
If you have a friend who is willing to workout with you that can also be a great motivational tool. You will be more likely to get up and get going if you know someone else is counting on you. It can also make workouts more enjoyable when you have a buddy by your side.

Also, take some time to think about some short and long-term goals. It's hard to stay committed to a routine when you have a general want to look or feel differently. Really think about what you want and write it down. A short-term goal might be to lose 4-6 pounds in a month, increase your running speed by a certain amount, or hold your plank for a longer time. A long-term goal could be fitting into a specific pant size, participating in a fitness event, or trying out for a team. When you are clear with what your goals are, it will be easier to get motivated to work out. 

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jrv1128 answered (12/9/2011)
The only way I've been able to get up earlier is by going to bed earlier.  Without 8 hours of sleep, I physically just can't get up.  The first day of the week is usually the toughest, but if you can just tough it on Monday morning, every day that follows will be a breeze!!!
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Anonymous answered (12/1/2011)
Something that gets me motivated to go to the gym in the morning is to blast dance music as soon as I wake up--it helps get me moving!
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AnnieZ answered (1/11/2012)
Sometimes I weigh myself first thing in the morning--and that's all the motivation I need to get my butt to the gym pronto!!
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aditi answered (6/7/2012)
I agree about the 8 hours of sleep! I find that if I can wake up pretty much on my own without an alarm clock (which happens if I get approx. 8 hours) then I'm totally motivated to go to the gym. But if I'm feeling tired in the least, I snooze my alarm clock!
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