Following a regular morning routine is good for you in so many ways. And one of them can be helping you stick to your fitness goals!
Many people will say one of the biggest obstacles holding them back from exercise is not enough time. Yes, there are days when your schedule is jam packed. But days when you have spent 20 minutes scrolling social media, 10 minutes searching for something to watch on Netflix - those are the days we want to focus on.
Having time to workout is about making the time.
We all have the same 24 hours in a day. I want to help you rethink your morning and find time for your fitness - because you're worth it!
Waking up Set an alarm for the same time everyday. Consistency helps your body set its own natural circadian rhythm, which makes it easier for to get up in the morning - your body knows it's time! For me and I'm sure many of you, my kids are often my alarm clock. But I make sure to set one anyway, just in case by some fluke they sleep in (oh those miracle days!). Although we're usually ambitious, especially when it comes to establishing a new routine or health habit - be realistic. Hitting the "snooze" button 3 times is interrupting another 20 minutes of quality sleep your body you could be benefitting from. Instead, set your alarm for the time you actually need to rise - not just wishful thinking and hoping you will. If you're having a hard time shaking the snooze routine, try moving your phone or alarm clock across the room so you have to get up to turn it off. Action plan? Be realistic with your wake up times this week. Set the alarm ONLY for the time you truly need to get up. Get up at the first alarm! No snoozing. (As a back-up if you're used to the snooze, set another 'emergency' alarm for 5-10 minutes later just in case you fall back to sleep. But don't rely on this just as another way to snooze! You know better now that those extra few minutes don't benefit because they've just interrupted your proper sleep with the first alarm. Make yourself get up the first time and get moving right away!)
Setting the tone for a better night's sleep About 30-60 minutes before you plan on going to sleep, start to prepare your mind that it's time to wind down. Turn off the tv and put down the phone. Dim the lights and maybe put some quiet music on. Especially as a busy mom, we often start running through the to-do lists for the next day and the "oh-no, I didn't get to that today" guilt trip list. Write it down and put it out of your mind, knowing that when you wake up you will be rested and ready to conquer the tasks ahead. We know it's helpful for our kids to have a consistent bedtime routine, but most of us don't do the same for ourselves! Getting proper rest is key to a more productive, happier and healthier day. Action plan? Try winding down about 30 minutes early this week, turning out the lights for bedtime just that half an hour earlier. Just a little extra rest can go a long way! And hopefully overtime, we can train ourselves just like we've done our kids to have a consistent sleep and wake routine - and many healthy, happy days ahead!
We start our mornings in Team Fit Body with a 30-45 minutes workout, 5 days a week. Mondays & Wednesday, we focus on cardio usually with a Zumba class or Cardio Kickboxing. Tuesdays & Thursdays are about Strength. Fridays is our self-led cardio day, but many members use the On Demand class videos to get more motivation for a 'choose their own adventure' guided cardio session. If you're looking for accountability to get your workout done and guidance for what to do in your workout, just reach out. My passion is helping women find ways to get moving and make fitness a part of life! I'd love to help you discover a healthier, happier life. It's touch! I know. But together, it's just that little bit easier - and a lot more fun.