The only morning exercise I used to get was lunging from my bed to the dresser to hit the snooze button. I was so
not
a morning person--I never considered working out before lunchtime an
option. Once I got serious about my commitment to do this, I had to
nix
the possibility of excuses. And the later in the day I'd say I was
going to squeeze in a gym visit, the more likely having to work late or
meeting a friend for dinner would get in the way. So I switched,
cold-turkey, and set my alarm for 5:45 A.M. five days a week. At first
I felt like I might actually vomit because my body wasn't used to doing
anything--much less the StairMaster--that early in the morning. But
after a few weeks, it got a lot easier. And now, many months into this
shape-up plan, sometimes my eyes even pop open before my two alarms go
off. It's a serious endorphin high--and I actually feel like a happier
person since making the switch. Not only do I have more energy, but I
have less anxiety. That I-am-woman feeling I get when
I endure a
strenuous gym session makes me feel like I can tackle any challenge I
may face during the rest of the day.
One thing that helped me when I was trying to make this early gym
bird habit stick was to always lay out my gym clothes before I went to
bed. Mentally, I was preparing myself to get there. Another thing that
helped? I knew I'd get to eat two breakfasts--a mini one before the gym
and a big one after!
How 'bout you guys--Do you work out in the A.M. or P.M.? Are any of
you recent converts, like I am? What helps you get out of bed to lace
up your sneaks when you really, really, really don't want to.
Why didn't you workout today? Glamour enlists top trainers to help you get rid of all of your excuses.
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[photo credit: Getty Images]
