It's more of an effort to get up in the morning for workouts and group fitness classes this time of the year, when the bone-chilling weather is more likely to make curling up in bed seem like a much better idea. However, you need to keep going with your fitness routines to boost your metabolism and immune systems, which you'll need to get through the stressful holiday season.
Here are some hot tips to stay motivated for a workout during fall and winter:
1) Set off the alarm and don't hit the snooze button. Don't be tempted to fall back to sleep. As soon as you hear that alarm, get up and get going.
2) Let the sunshine in. Open your windows and let natural light flow in as it's sure to wake up and energize you. "When you're ready to begin the day, exposing your body to the sun will not only help alert the brain and set you in motion, it will also help you sleep later on," according to the Sleep Foundation.
If you have to wake up before the sun, then turn on the lights. Philips Hf3470 Wake-up Light simulates natural sunlight to gradually wake your body up.
3) Go ahead and have a cup! Coffee is a big brain booster, but you can also drink lemon and ginger tea, hot chocolate or warm almond milk to perk you up, according to Bustle.
4) Prepare your workout clothes the night before so that when you wake up and get ready, you won't waste time looking for your yoga pants. Don't forget to pack your toiletries so you can hit the showers after your workout, too.
5) Enlist a friend's help. Having a partner-in-crime for your morning workouts is one of the best motivators, as you're not likely to quit because you'll both work on the same goals and keep each other honest.
6) Reward yourself after a workout. Look forward to something you can enjoy after you've achieve waking up early for exercises.
7) Only do workouts that you like so that you'll enjoy them better. What's the point of waking up early if you're dreading the gym? If you're not a gym person, you can jog, walk or cycle in the mornings.
