WAKE UP!..and work out!

I've had the habit of working out later in the evening ever since I joined my gym! I have recently started to break this habit by trying to get in the gym before my work day! For one of my jobs I have to be at work between 6:30-9:00 AM. Some days earlier than others. Not going to lie, for me it would be impossible to wake up at 4 AM to get to the gym by 4:30 and work out for an hour, get ready, and be at work on time. I for one, am not a morning person. I would much rather go later in the day when I don't feel rushed! However, I have been researching and studying about the benefits of early morning workouts, and that is why I've started to make it a point to get to the gym first thing in the morning before I begin my day!

I don't know anyone who likes to wake up before they feel ready...but there are SO many benefits to getting up and getting to the gym in those early morning hours. Here they are :

• Early workouts boost your metabolism
• They boost your energy and clear your head for a fresh start to your day!
• Studies have shown that weight loss increases the most during early hours of the day

Cons:

• Gym is likely to be crowded because a lot of people want to get in the gym before work- BUT the gym is always going to be busy..so that's not a good excuse!
• You may feel like you've hit a wall and feel exhausted half way through your workout- that's normal because it's early, & your body may not be used to working out that early for a while. Bring a sports drink with electrolytes in it to help keep you awake! (Such as a Gatorade).

PRE- work out:
It's a good idea to eat a small breakfast before working out. I usually have a small bowl of oatmeal with a little brown sugar on top. A grapefruit is a natural energy booster- so having something like that would be good too!
POST work out:
I like to have a protein shake from Gold's- but I bring my own protein! Have someone knowledgeable help you find the best protein for you. Employees at most supplement shops (nutrishop, smoothie factory, GNC, etc.) are very good at helping you out with that. They know what they are talking about!