How to be a morning workout person... no I'm not pulling a Steve Harvey... I meant morning!

Well I have officially worked out around 5:15 a.m. for two days now so I feel like I have a lot of expertise to share about this topic.

Okay... I've really screwed up the process of working out at 5:15 a.m. for two days now so I'm an expert on what NOT to do.

Step 1:  Come to acceptance that this is something you have to do.  Lucas is 21 months old so... that's a long time for acceptance.  Ok, maybe it hasn't been that long.  He did used to go to bed between 6-7 p.m. (he would get up 5-10 times a night.. don't tell me to count my blessings) so getting my workouts in was no problem.  Then there was summer so I could get them in when he went to daycare/napped.  Then I went to working out every other week when Mike was off.... then I was able to work out at night because Mike worked days... and then.... I was out of excuses.  It was get up at 5:00 a.m. and workout OR do it at 9:00 at night.  Lesser of two evils?

Step 2: You must like your workout or you will not get up.  So if you hate running... don't get up and run.  Because you will not get up.  I have come back around to running and I had a realization the other day-- I was starting to hate running because I was trying to watch TV and multi-task while I did it.  I need LOUD music and to zone out when I run.  Today's workout was "Kill Cupcake", a Beachbody on Demand exclusive.  I LOVED IT. 

Step 3:  Lay out your clothes the night before.  Day 1 I was stumbling around in the dark, smashing into things, convinced I was going to wake up Lucas.  Some people like to sleep in their clothes but the idea of sleeping in a sports bra...bleh. 

Step 4:  Put your water in the fridge the night before.  Yes, these small simple steps make all the difference in the morning.

Step 5:  If you plan to drink a pre-workout drink/eat, have that ready to go too.  I tried Energize this week and I loved it..but you need to take it 10-15 minutes pre-workout.  Which means I need to start drinking it the second my feet hit the ground because every minute counts.  Another lesson learned after Day 1.

P.S.  If you want to try Energize for yourself, check out the "Beachbody Coach" link above.  It tastes delicious and it is the one energy drink I have ever tried that did not leave me buzzing/shaking.  Results may vary but see my disclosure- I do NOT recommend things I don't believe in. 

Step 6:  Set two alarms.  Because the first one won't be enough.  The second one is a must.

Step 7:  Go to bed at a decent time.  I didn't fall asleep until after 11 last night and waking up this morning was a bbbeeeeeppppp.  

Step 8: Do not murder husband who sleeps through you working out 2 feet away from his head.... Both times. I'm glad I took this photo for proof because he didn't believe me. 

Step 9: Remind yourself that this is only temporary.  One day your child will be able to occupy themselves while you get your workout in.  That will also be the day they no longer want to snuggle with you so... I will take 5 a.m. workouts for as long as it takes.

Stay balanced friends!