I've always liked the idea of getting up early to work out, but the reality just doesn't seem to work for me for several reasons. I used to do it, but it doesn't work now. For one thing, as a teacher I have to get to work earlier than in my previous jobs (no later than 7:45) and I live about 20 minutes from work (not counting when I'm late and driving behind school buses...ugh). For another, I like to walk and it's too dark that early! If I go to the gym in the morning, I'd have to shower and wash my hair and I don't like showering in strange places plus it takes me ages to dry my hair (too much of it), and I don't want to do that in a strange place either.

Here's the big reason, though. I just don't like going to bed early. I work on grading and planning until late at night and I try to squeeze in some time to hang out with my husband. I certainly don't want to cut my evening short by going to bed at 9:00. I can't even imagine it!

Also...I like going to the gym and getting that bit of stress relief at the end of the work day. The students drive me insane, and then I go let it all out on the treadmill.

I know how great I'd feel all day if I worked out in the morning, and I know it would be great to get it done first thing, but I've accepted the fact that it just doesn't work for me. In the summer, I walk around 9am because I don't have to go to work!

I try to make sure I get into bed early the night before, and then force myself to wake up early, I hate doing it but I know that if I don't get my workout in early on then I won't do it for the rest of the day. I just can't motivate myself for the evening.

Usually my workout and shower end just as my husband is waking up so we get to have a snuggle afterwards.

I completely agree with the statement that exercising is important, but when you do it isn't so important. I've tried it both early morning before work and after work in the evenings. After work doesn't work so well for me because "life" seems to catch up with me then. Invariably, if I planned to do it after work, the kids would need help with their homework, we'd have some event to go to, I'd start supper and just never find the time, etc, etc.

Doing it early in the morning, for ME, just gives me fewer excuses and I prefer it. I do still go for a walk after dinner at least twice a week, in addition to my morning workout, but I realize that as the days get shorter, I'll be unable to keep doing that.

Everyone is different, good thing there are so many options for us all.

I work the morning shift quite often, 06-14, so I had to get used to it, but I couldn't do it all the time, I still need to sleep more at least 2ice a week; and getting up even earlier than 4:40 to exercise? no no

Its hard to get used to but you just have to start doing it everyday. After two weeks i think you will be used to it. Its going to be hard but your body will adjust and you cannot rationalize that sleeping in is ok. Plus, after you exercise you feel so much better and you can have the rest of the day for work and personal errands, etc. You have gotten your workout over first and it isnt hanging over your head on your "to do" list. Now my body wakes up automatically and on the weekends i wake up (but i go back to sleep and enjoy weekends) Hope that helps.

With the daylight savings time shift this weekend, maybe you can pretend the clocks are not being set back, and use that "extra" hour to try getting a morning routine in place. It should be an easier adjustment for your internal clock than at any other time in the year!

that's THIS weekend?! holy moly, this year has totally been flying by...

that's a good idea, though, using that weekend to get used to waking up earlier. oh how i'll miss my "fall back," though... Mmmmm, sleep.

I was going to post almost exactly the same post. I'm glad I saw this. I've been having issues going to the gym after work so I really would like to begin going early in the morning. What do you guys feel is a good amount of time for sleep? Personally I'm not someone who needs 8 hours every night to feel normal, but I want to make sure I'm getting enough.

The problem i have is my job. I either work 8 am to 4 pm or 2 pm to 10 pm. My schedule varies so I can't get into a routine. The days when I work till 10 pm make it hard to wake up at 5 the next morning.

But I guess I should just give it a try for a couple weeks at least. The gym is in the same shopping center as my work so I can just workout, shower, and get to work. There should be no excuses.

I think that for working out in the morning you definitely have to have your clothes laid out or your gym bag packed the night before.
I'm totally babbling, but maybe someone will make sense of my post. Anyone else have some words of wisdom?

Kate

I like working out at night myself. I usually do it while watching my primetime tv programs. That way it never feels like the workout is much shorter than it really is. When I am done I shower, have an apple and sleep like a baby. When I wake up in the morning I am not nearly as grumpy as I used to be either. It may not work for everybody but it's been working well for me.