I'm NOT a Morning Person but....

So as my life gets busier I'm starting to find that I have less and less time for myself and my own fitness goals. I use to say "there are 24 useable hours in every day", which is taken from the movie Empire Records (AMAZING movie!!), but with how disorganized one can be, at times it feels like 24 hours just isn't enough.

I've just recently moved into an apartment on my own and it's right by the boardwalk, so, I've decided this is my chance to reorganize my life and commit to a new schedule. I hate waking up early in the morning, but the way I figure it, I'm going to have to start getting my exercise out of the way first thing so I can tackle the rest of my day without feeling like I'm neglecting my health. The boardwalk is a fantastic way to get in an early morning jog.

I've exercised in the morning before, and you know what, it makes the day so much better. You just feel so energized and stress free! I encourage you to try it. I know it's hard, getting out of your warm and comfy bed and thinking about trying to get the will to workout, it's not easy! But, once you're out of bed, the hardest part's over and it gets easier from there.

"But how do I make myself get out of bed!" you ask? Well, first I think being prepared is key. Have your gym clothes set out the night before and know what workout you're going to do. Have a quick light breakfast ready too because, yes, you need to eat something first! Have things set up to make the experience less dreadful to think about when the buzzer starts going off.

Another trick is setting your alarm clock far enough away from your bed that you HAVE to get up to shut it off. That one works for me! Again, it's the getting out of bed part that's the hardest sometimes. If you find yourself getting up to turn off the alarm and then head straight back to bed, maybe set some type of positive reinforcement by the alarm so you reconsider. Leaving a little note to yourself, "You can do it!", or "You will feel SO good when it's over!" maybe all you need to get your butt in gear! You could even set out a picture of the beach if you're working on getting into bathing-suit-ready shape, or a picture of that special someone who needs you to be healthier (your kids, significant other, grandson *wink wink, nudge nudge* to a certain someone), or, heck, put a mirror close to the alarm so you can look at yourself when you get up. Then decide if you're going to accept what you see and head back to bed, or accept what you have the potential to be and head in the other direction. Find what works for you and stick with it!!

So, tomorrow I have to practice what I preach. As long as it's not raining I'll be getting up at 6:30 and going for a jog/walk! I'll let you know how I make out.