Set Yourself Up For Success

Tips to helping you stay active on a regular basis

Recently I was asked how I get up at 5am every day to workout, and "don't you get tired".  The answer is "yes" I get tired all the time with three kids and two businesses but the working out at 5am is not what makes me tired, rather it energizes me for the day.  It wakes me up,  gives me that 30-45 minutes of me time, and sets the tone for the day.  Are there days I just want to roll over and sleep in, absolutely, but if I do not get my workout done first thing in the morning then I am one step behind all day and scramble to find another 30-45 minutes to get my workout in.  

As a trainer I have heard all the excuses in the book for why someone missed a session or why  being active on a daily basis is not occuring. If you train with me you find out pretty quick that I am not one for excuses or someone who has much sympathy for the "I only got 6 hours of sleep" or the  "I just don't have time"  excuse,  because lets face it we could all use more sleep and with a little planning, I mean take 5 minutes to look at your nexts day's schedule, and I am sure you can find 30 minutes to workout.  

Here are my tips for succeeding with a consistant workout schedule:

1. Make an appointment with yourself - -  I have tried scheduling my workouts later in the day, say during nap time, or right after all the kids fall asleep, but 90% of the time it never works out.  It is too risky as that will be the day the kids don't nap or one is up sick all night.  The only guaranteed time of day for me to workout is 5am, so if health and fitness is going to be a part of my life, then 5am it is.    Take a look at your schedule for the day or week and find the  time of day, everyday,  thateach day where you can workout.  Schedule it in your calendar!  If you have tried the after work thing and failed after week one, I suggest picking a different time of the day.  The "I am too tired" excuse is just too likely after work.  
2. Plan your workouts in advance --  plan out your activities each day.  Maybe Monday's you will do strength training, Tuesday's will be running/swimming days, Wednesday join a group class, Thursday strength training...... just know what you are doing on each day so you can pack the appropriate clothing
3. Set out/pack your workout gear the night before --- Have your stuff ready to go  the day before.  I set out my workout gear, prep my breakfast, and pre set the coffee before heading to bed everyday.  It makes it way easier to get up and go with things ready and my mind set the night before.  If you are not working out until after work or mid day, pack your clothes and enough food for the day including a pre and post workout snack.  The "I was just too hungry" is another excuse that is really due to poor planning.  

 Yes, even on the weekends I get up at 5 and workout.  It is easier on my body to consistently wake up at the same time everyday.  If I slept in, and sleeping in around our house is 6:30am, Monday morning when the alarm goes off at 5am would be a real struggle.