Working out in the morning as opposed to after work or not working out at all is a great way to get your body moving, blood flowing, and energy through the roof. Plus, your body typically burns more fat in the morning after your bodies resting state at night. I should preface that I am in no way a morning person. Waking up to an alarm feels like a war has been started on your peaceful night. So, now you know how I feel about the morning, you should also know I work out every morning. I’m not talking gym, I’m talking simple things I can do at home or outside. I am also a fan of working out before breakfast since I love a huge breakfast as a reward for my hard work. It’s a self high five to me.
The best workouts I have found that makes me feel like a rock star throughout the day are always simple, quick, and easy-ish. Here are my top choices for you to try.
Running/Walking
Ok, I hate running. I’m one of those walk/runners just to increase my heartrate, but a lot of people are great at running and should keep it up! Running in the morning burns so much fat and keeps your blood flowing to your brain almost all day long. Cardio is perfect because it can be a quick heart rate increasing run and you’ll feel great when eating your breakfast reward.
Yoga
Now we’re talking. Yoga is the opposite of running but it is just as, if not as important as, running. Stretching your body and moving in a constant flow helps your muscles stretch out and in turn helps relieve cramps at your desk and better posture. If you really want to pump up your yoga experience, try leaving the house for hot yoga. You will sweat, your heart rate increases, and your muscles get nice and loose.
Free Weights
If you don’t have some at home I would go out and buy some. No, you don’t need a full gym with a bench and huge mirror to stare at yourself. You need a couple sets of weights to start. I love added weights to simple squats or lunges. Plus, watching the morning news and pumping some (5lb) iron in the morning is invigorating!
Stairs
If you have stairs in your house or the park nearby has stairs, use them! Stairs are so great for legs and butt and because your using a lot of energy to climb the stairs, whether running or walking, your heart rate and blood flow increase and burns lots and lots of fat. Plus did you know that when you climb the stairs you use your core muscles for balance? That’s right, an ab workout too!
Burpees/Squat-Thrusts
The name makes me cringe. Whoever sadistically put together jumping, squatting and push-ups together in one workout is insane. Even though I hate this workout, it is the best one to do before work. It is such a high energy work out, which means you don’t have to waste your whole morning doing it. In fact just a few minutes in between some free weight lifting or running for a total of a 15-20 minute workout will make feel like you ran a marathon.
