Your New Morning Routine

Summer has almost swept away but there is still time before school rolls around to practice a new morning routine. Word of caution: at first you may be discouraged when you feel more exhausted than usual, but soon it will pay off and your body will be performing and looking better than ever with these few simple steps!

1. Go to bed by 11PM each night.
2. Go to the gym each morning (at least 5 days a week!) For example, I arrive at my gym by 7:30 AM and have to be at work by 8:45. My workplace is down the street so it is extremely convenient! I wake up at 6:50AM to allow myself plenty of time to eat my Pria bar for protein and energy, drink some water, pack my things for work (like my fruit, yogurt, and granola for lunch) as well as prepare my coffee.
3. When the alarm goes off, it is painful some days but when I feel the urge to sleep in, I remind myself of the busy day ahead and that if I do not make the effort to be fit now, I will be to tired or busy later.

The Morning Workout:

1. Once I arrive at the gym, I begin by doing a quick stretch in the locker room. Then, I jump right on the elliptical and watch the morning news. I complete 2 miles and burn nearly 300 calories.
2. Next, I do 3 sets of 15 crunches while holding a 10 pound exercise ball above my head.
3. Then, I move on to arm exercises which include using a machine that I do curls and pull downs; 3 sets of 15.
4. Finally, I finish off with my legs. I use the “active-rest” strategy and do 15 leg curls then 15 leg extensions. Again, I do 3 sets of 15 using low weight and high repetitions.
5. If I have some extra time and energy, I do a cool down mile on the treadmill as well.

Heading to work after a great workout not only wakes you up more than extra shots of espresso in your coffee, but makes you feel good not only on the inside but on the outside as well. Once you establish a routine; which really only takes a couple of days; you will begin to have a fuller, more relaxed and believe it or not, alert day. I hope this new routine works for you like it worked for me! Best of luck.