Working out in the morning might be a monumental task if you aren’t an early riser. But a previous article on Namafit explains that morning workouts can put you in a good mood and improve your focus for the day. If you’re finding it hard to motivate and energize yourself for a workout, here are some tips to get you started — no matter what time it is.
Be sure to hydrate properly
You don’t have to wait until you feel thirsty before drinking water, as thirst is a sign that you’re already about 2% dehydrated. Before working out, you should already prepare your body by staying hydrated throughout the day. According to Self, not having enough fluids in your body means your heart needs to work much harder to pump blood — which means it will make your workouts feel more intense than they should. Plus, staying hydrated also reduces the possibility of guzzling too much water during the workout, which can upset your stomach.
Eat healthy carbs
Carbohydrates are an essential energy source, acting as the body’s main fuel during exercise. However, Healthline shows that not all carbohydrates are ideal pre-workout food. Simple carbohydrates, such as white bread and sweets, are only short-term sources of energy. Consuming these will make you feel tired even before your workout is over. Opt for complex carbohydrates instead, since the body digests it more slowly than simple carbs — giving you a more consistent source of energy for a longer period of time. Examples of these are whole grains, corn, rice, fruits, and vegetables.
Practice breathing exercises
Don’t immediately jump into your workout routine. Take time to do deep breathing before you start exercising, since it increases the oxygen in your blood, which also helps prepare your body for all the movement. Moreover, it releases tension and endorphins, which are natural painkillers. Consider adding deep breathing to your warm-up and reap its positive benefits to your immune system, mental health, and more.
Have some caffeine
Caffeine is perhaps one of the most popular pre-workout drinks. After all, it helps improve circulation, decrease muscle pain, and improve workout recovery. But there are many ways to drink caffeine aside from coffee. As explained on Pretty Me’s feature on Lean n Green coffee, many beverages make use of green coffee beans. These not only give you the energizing benefits of caffeine, but it comes with the added bonus of converting more fat and glucose to energy. Some are even combined with more powerful ingredients like L-carnitine, which helps further enhance energy production. If you’re not much of a coffee drinker, BBC Good Food’s article on tea explains that black tea and green tea have the highest caffeine content for your pre-workout buzz.
Ensure you’ve had enough sleep
The more rested you are, the better your mind and body will function. Sleep improves your concentration, mood, and focus, which makes you more efficient and prepared for your exercise. Having enough sleep also motivates you to stick to your plan to exercise. Exercising while you lack sleep, on the other hand, will make you feel fatigued faster — making it harder for you to complete your workout.
A good workout isn’t simply a matter of finishing your routine. A good workout is also determined by what you do to prepare for it.
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