I get asked all the time how the heck I wake up at 4:30am to get my workouts in before work. Honestly, I’ve tried to go to the gym after work. There have even been days where I’ve gone to work in my workout clothes with every intention of exercising as soon as I was done. I fail 99% of the time. I have to get it done early because (a) I’m too tried in the afternoon and (b) there are so many people there after work and it takes twice as long to complete my workout because I have to wait for machines.
Sometimes I wake up really tired but I know that when I’m done I will feel amazing and the rest of my day will go smoothly. I thought I’d share some of the tricks I use to make the morning a little bit easier for me since my eyes are usually half closed and my brain semi-functioning.
Always have your workouts written down and your gym bag packed the night before so you can just grab and go. I use the Oxygen Training Journal and I love it. It’s really basic on the inside and it’s been great for recording all of my James Wilson workouts. I also pack a towel, my bobble water bottle (review coming soon), Polar HRM, earphones, and skipping rope.
Lay out your clothes for work. I don’t do this all the time but I swear if I don’t, I spend so much time staring inside my closet trying to figure out what to wear. Decide the night before so that you can get home, shower, and change without even thinking about it. I’m a genius, I know.
Sleep in your workout clothes. I know this might sound crazy but it works. If I have to wake up and change, there is no way I am going to make it to the gym. I put on my workout clothes, usually with a pair of sweat pants and sweater on top (because it’s still cold outside). This way I can just roll out of bed and I’m ready to go.
Set your alarm…and wake up when it rings.
If I do all of these things the night before I literally just have to wake up, brush my teeth and go. Some days are easier that others and yes, there are times I turn my alarm off and tell it where to go. Most of the time, though, these things work for me. I am at the gym by 5:00, home by 6:30, showered and ready to go to work by 7:30.
BAM.
Are there any tips/tricks you use to motivate/help you get to the gym?
Morning, afternoon or evening workouts?
{ 55 comments… read them below or add one }
I have managed to successfully wake up and workout in the morning ONE time…I did feel amazing after and for the entire day…but I just CANT do it!!! ARGH!
Haha! Some people are really good at working out in the afternoon or evening! I would love to sleep in some days but I know it won’t work for me!! We’re total opposites!
I have managed to successfully wake up and workout in the morning ONE time…I did feel amazing after and for the entire day…but I just CAN’T do it!!! ARGH!
oops sorry!
I use the alarm on my phone and put my phone across the room so I have to get up to shut it off. It doesn’t always work, but sometimes it helps to wake me up and second-guess the idea of getting back into bed and skipping a workout.
That’s such a good idea!! I’m really good at turning my alarm off some days and going back to sleep. I hate when that happens! I might have to try your trick!
Due to shift work, and my best efforts to spend as much time as possible with my girlfriend, it isn’t always possible to get a good workout in before work. However, no matter what time of day you workout you make excellent points. Get your clothes ready, have a plan, BE PREPARED! When I get my workouts in after a tough day at work I’ll treat them the same way that you do if you’re really tired in the morning… Grab my packed bag and stick to the plan! Red Bull, espresso, or whatever form of caffeine is also a great little extra kick of “motivation”!
EXACTLY! No matter what time of day, I’f you’ve got everything prepared and you are MENTALLY ready for your workout, you are good to go!
Thanks for the wonderful tips. I find it so much easier in the summer months when the sun is up. Winter months, not so easy. I like the idea going to bed in work out clothes.
I agree! It is really hard some days when it’s cold or if it snows overnight and my car is covered. The last thing I want to do is clean snow off my car at 5am! I can’t wait until it starts warming up!
I wish I could do this. I would do this. I can’t do this because I have kids that I have to also get ready for school and a husband that usually isn’t home at that time so I am forced to do night time work outs. It sucks!
Hey – you’re blessed with kids and a husband so it’s not all that bad!! You still make the time for your workouts and I think that’s pretty amazing!
I love that you sleep in your workout clothes!! I think Houston is too warm to do as such, it get kind of balmy at night sometimes and I think I might feel yucky…but I love it!! Come April/May I will have to start getting up early to beat the heat so I will have to think about a better wake up plan. Lately Zen sounds are my alarm of choice – just need to learn not to hit snooze. Discipline.
Ummm yes…I’d think Houston is too hot too!! I am always cold when I sleep so my clothes stay nice and dry!
I’m really good at hitting snooze too… It definitely happens somedays but thankfully not too often!
Getting to sleep at a reasonable time is KEY for me!!
I agree! On the days that I get to sleep a bit too late…I want to throw my phone when it wakes me up in the morning!
I used to be on such a good schedule of working out in the morning but since I started weight training classes I’ve become an after work workouter… I’m hoping that once it starts to get lighter earlier I’ll get myself up and out running. And I def agree that laying things out the night before, sleeping in my workout gear, and setting the coffee pot to auto are helpful
When you have classes to go to, I find it’s easier to go at any time of day. When I used to spin and do boxing classes, it was always at night and I loved it. The energy of other people makes it really fun. I do all of my workouts alone now though so going at night is noooooooot fun!
Its all about getting ready the night before! I have all of my clothes and gym necessities ready for the morning including my lunch so I can just come home afterwards and get ready for work. I know that no matter What time I set my alarm for I’m going yo need ten minutes to get out of bed so I plan for that too.
Haha same!! My gym opens at 5am and is literally 5 minutes away but I wake up at 4:30 because it takes me a while to actually go from a laying down position to standing!!
hmmm…. apparently I take longer to do my hair in the mornings than you do! Makes those morning workouts too hard.
Night workouts with the headphones on are great for daily stress relief!
Your hair is your masterpiece…I don’t blame you!! Haha!
My daily routine too!! Except mine isn’t at gawd awful 4:30, I’m at 5:45! I don’t sleep in my gym clothes but thats a great call!! I also pack my breakfast, lunch and snacks night before, if it’s not as simple as a grab and go, I’ll never make it!
I WISH I could wake up at 5:45!! I pack my meals the night before as well. I have to or else I don’t eat haha.
I first started going to the gym at 5am when my son was 6 months old. Fortunately for me my husband is 100% supportive. My girlfriend told me to go then and go everyday. Even if I sit by the fire (I know I’m spoiled) at the gym and read a magazine. This would be “my time!” I tripped a bunch in the beginning but inevitably every time I would skip my son would be up anyway–so there was no sleeping in. I also got a buddy to join me at the gym. It became a habit and now my son will be turning 9! I get up M-F at 4:45am so I can eat a small meal before my heavy lifts or have a coffee before my cardio days. On the weekend I go when ever is convenient–less pressure. Love your posts!
Thanks, girl! That’s so amazing that you’ve kept up this routine for so long! “Me time” is so important and I love that your husbands supports it! I want a fireplace at my gym too…
Nice tips! I am going to have to start working out in the morning again due to my new job! At least it starts April 1st….so I feel like I’ll have the light on my side, as it’s only going to get brighter in the morning. I find waking up in the winter/darker months the most difficult. I can’t seem to find motivation. I have started craving healthier foods again though! So that’s exciting for me
I am looking forward to warmth and lighter mornings, too!! Going out when it’s dark, cold, and snowy is sooo hard some days. I’m happy you’re craving healthy foods!! That’s awesome.
Great post! I switch from morning to evening, depending on what is going on in my life and I definitely find it harder to get out of bed in the morning in the winter. I have to ask, what time do you usually go to sleep in order for this to be sustainable?
Definitely not early enough! I am honestly in bed by 9:30-10:00 but I never fall asleep right away. Sometimes I only get 5-6 hours of sleep and I know that isn’t good for me. One of my goals for this month is to make sure I get more sleep!
This is really motivational. I find it hard to work out in the evening since I have trouble sleeping if I do it too late but getting up in the dark is even harder for me. I think the idea of sleeping in workout clothes is brilliant and I will try it. I am a particularly sad case as I do my workout in the spare bedroom on a bicycle turbo trainer and I should be able to make it that far!
Keep up the good writing!
Haha oh my gosh, this made me laugh so hard!! Your work out IN your house! Trust me, you can do it. I find it hard to sleep at night too if I postpose my workouts. Give the sleeping in workout clothes a shot! Who knows – it might help!!
You’re my hero. I can’t even manage a before-6am wakeup, never mind this 430am business.
If I’m really going to attempt it, I need to be in bed absolutely no later than 10pm or it’s not happening. It’s funny because my best workouts are done in the morning, but during the week, it’s just too exhausting. Weekends though- no excuse!
Give it a try! You’ll be surprised at how good you will fell for the rest of your work day! Buuuut I’m warning you – you will probably need a nap when you get home from work!
Christina- Do you eat before your workouts? If so, What? I workout at 5:30 too. If I’m doing cardio I usually don’t eat, but if I’m doing a weight session I’ll just eat a piece of fruit. I feel like if I eat more than that I’d have to get up earlier to leave more room for digestion.
I’m the same. Sometimes I will do fasted cardio but on weight training days I try to eat a little something. Lately it’s been fruit but I should be eating more than that. I think next week I’m going to try a protein shake before and see how my body handles it. If you’re lifting heavy (which I am), you should be eating both a source of protein AND carbs both pre AND post-workout. I know it’s an area I need to work on if I want to preserve muscle so I’m going to give it a shot!
Personally I think sleeping in workout clothes and then wearing them to the gym is kinda gross, but whatever works! Good for you for getting up and getting there!
I am doing a bobble giveaway right now ! Love it so much!
Haha how is it gross? My gym clothes are always freshly washed…and I don’t sweat when I sleep… Wouldn’t it be the same thing as wearing the same clothes to work for a full day? That is probably MORE gross because you are moving around all day!
And I agree – the bobble is great!
Fantastic tips and I am so glad to hear I am not the only weirdo that sleeps in my workout clothes.
I always try to remind myself how happy I feel after a workout and how hard it is for me to make it through a workday without one. Literally I turn into a mean grumpy bear without my morning shot of endorphins. 
SAME! I’m usually mean though because I know I still have a workout to do after a full day of work. It really is the worst feeling. After work I just want to sleep and eat!
Holy cow girl! You are a warrier! I have to agree with you, when I do make it to the gym in the morning, I do feel better and I love having more time after work, but I am sooooo not a morning person, I am the queen of snooze, seriously it’s a problem! lol
But you are right, the gym is less crowded in the morning. There are a million reasons why a morning workout it good, I just wish I could get past the snooze button lol
Thanks for the tips!
You’re welcome! It definitely takes a lot of getting used to but once you force yourself to do it for a while, it gets a lot easier!
For me, the most important part is getting to bed on time. Even if I’m 15-20 minutes late I can tell a difference in my energy!
I am the exact same!
I honestly love you Christina!!
Sleeping in work out clothes I swear makes or breaks me when it comes to early morning work outs too!! Similar to you, even now Im pregnant and on mat leave I MUST work out in the am or else theres a good chance its not going to get done!!
Preparation is the KEY to getting S**T done!!
I’m the SAME way! Even on my days off and on weekends – if I don’t roll out of bed and exercise, it definitely won’t happen!!
Congrats on your pregnancy! That’s so exciting!
Great tips! I do much of the same for my morning workout. Question: do you eat/drink anything before the workout? I don’t have an appetite that early but I feel lethargic when I don’t eat something or take an energy gel. I’ve been using Vega’s Pre-Workout Energizer lately but I feel like it’s not good to take everyday because of the caffeine.
Hi Lenka! Sometimes I do fasted cardio but on weight training days I try to eat something. Lately it’s been just a piece of fruit but if you’re lifting heavy (which I am), you should be eating an equal amount of carbs and protein both before and after your workout. I’m going to start having Vega’s Energizing Smoothie (mixed with water) next week and see how my body responds to that!
I am so impressed. I hear you about the gym being busy or being too tired after work…this is a daily struggle for me. I am going to try your early morning wakeup routine next week and see if I can do it. I am not making any promises, but it would free up so much evening time!
Yes! Try it and let me know how it goes! I’m so curious to see if it works!
I absolutely agree with the morning workouts. If I don’t go at 5:30, it ain’t happening!
I recently joined a new gym, and I’m really intimidated by new equipment and looking like a lost cause.
I’m thinking I need a program that is already set up since I’m not gym workout literate yet.
Have you done Jamie Eason’s LiveFit trainer? Is it similar to James’ Wilsons? Which would you recommend? Thanks Christina!
Hi Lynsie! I love the way you spell your name, by the way!
Don’t be intimidated! It will take time for you to learn your way around. That always happens when joining a new facility.
I did the LiveFit last year but didn’t finish… The workouts got really long during the last month and I got a bit frustrated with it. The meal plan was also only carnivore-friendly so I started eating meat thinking that was the answer. James Wilson’s workouts are great and I highly recommend his program. It was only $50 and you have access to a private Facebook group where everyone can ask him questions, share pictures, stories, etc. He’s got a couple of meal plans on there (one is veg-friendly) and is on every night to answer questions and provide motivation. He’s pretty awesome…
Wow, that’s amazing you’re able to wake up so early. Getting up at 6:30 eventually took its toll on me. What time do you go to bed?
4:30 is inspiring but really it’s a good idea.. do you eat before your workouts? Or after, before you head to work?
Hi Christina, I actually started sleeping in my workout clothes now too. It does help! Although I guess I’m lucky because I love waking up early and never hesitate to feel the morning burn!
I think another great thing to do is prep your post-workout smoothie (or your bottle and powder). I actually shower at the gym and then go to work so I gotta prep my whole food and lug it with me!
I also make notes in my phone of what to bring or do in the morning. I usually have fresh veggie juice pre-workout so I note what I had in mind for it (the mind ain’t as sharp at remembering things pre-sunrise).
LOVE YOUR POSTS GIRL!! Keep em up