How To: Get Up and At It

When the alarm is buzzing, and the warmth beneath your sheets is the closest thing to heaven you've experienced, it's hard to reach that first toe out from the covers and into some running shoes, and workout clothes in order to get ready to hit the pavement or the gym. No matter how many times you've done it, and told yourself, "It feels great to workout in the morning! I should do this more often!" you don't. Now that Daylight Savings is in full effect, here are some helpful tips to make the most of the morning light: 1. ALARMS:  Set multiple alarms: Set them 20 minutes apart. Set the first one well before you absolutely have to wake up, so you can hit snooze or off, then when the next one goes off you'll feel like you got an extra treat of sleep. Program your phone alarm with encouraging words: Mine says "GET UP! DONT BE LAZY!" I have others that are a bit more profane, set yours with whatever will inspire you. Maybe have it say, "THINK LEAN LEGS!" "DONT GO BACK TO SLEEP!" "GET UP NOW AND GO FOR IT!" It's up to you. Set multiple physical alarms: Set one next to your bed, and the other across the room. Now you will have to get up to turn it off.   2. WORKOUT GEAR: Lay out your clothes at the foot of your bed the night before: Check the weather. Then, lay out every single item you need. This way you have no excuse for not going out because it's too cold, or you can't find your fleece tights. If laying out your clothes isn't enough...: Wear your workout clothes to bed. They're similar enough to pajamas. Now you can literally roll out of bed and into the gym, yoga class, whatever. Bribe yourself with sweet workout gear: Sometimes getting to put on nice shoes, awesome tights, and cool jackets can make you excited to get up and at it. Treat yourself to workout clothes that you enjoy wearing.   3.  PERK UP Splash cold water on your face: This will get you alert. Stare at yourself in the mirror, tell yourself "You can do this!" Drink something: Mix up some Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer. It will send a jolt of energy to your system. Set your coffee maker up the night before: If you drink coffee, and you don't have a coffee maker with a timer, invest in one. Set it up the night before. Set it up to be done brewing when your alarm goes off. Pour a mug, drop in an ice cube and drink.   4. GUILT Make plans to meet a friend: Get to that early morning spin class and tell your friend you will meet them there. You'd be a bad person if you didn't meet them. Guilt is your secret weapon. Make deals with yourself: For example, "If you go to the gym you get to have that bagel for breakfast." "If you go to the gym you can watch Homeland tonight." "If you go to the gym you get a mocha latte later."