4 Workouts to Add to Your Morning Routine

There’s no feeling like the one you get from working out first thing in the morning. It sets the tone for your whole day, especially if you don’t consider yourself a morning person. Jumping out of your comfortable mattress after a peaceful sleep is not always easy, but if increasing your energy level is a goal, a few early morning workouts will give you the kickstart you need. 

If you’re considering trying morning workouts or want to vary your fitness routine, check out these four exercises designed to get your blood flowing and adrenaline pumping.

1. Early Morning Workouts With Jumping Jacks

Do you remember being in a physical education class and starting with a series of warm-up exercises before engaging in the day’s lesson? One of those exercises was jumping jacks.

Whether you loved or hated them, it was a great way to get in a quick full-body workout. They increase your blood flow and get your muscles ready to move.

• Start with your legs together and your arms at your sides.
• Next, jump while spreading your legs and arms simultaneously.
• Warm up slowly and gradually build speed to increase your heart rate.

2. Add Squats to Your Early Morning Routine

We’re crouching or bending down to pick things up throughout the day. Adding squats to your workout can make these movements easier. You must fully engage the target muscles in the correct position to get the most benefits from squats. Follow these directions to make sure you have the correct squatting form:

• While standing, place your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Next, pretend you’re sitting in a chair as you lower your body. Keep your core locked and your chest out while you lower your body into a sitting position.
• As you squat, you should sink your hips back, and your knees should be aligned with your toes as you place your weight on your heels.
• Finally, once your body is down like you’re sitting, rise back into the starting position.

3. Enhance Your Early Morning Workout With Planks

Looking for an exercise that strengthens your entire body? Then, make planks a regular part of your routine. Some think this is strictly a core-building exercise, but it also works your glutes, quads, shoulders, and arms. Like squats, the key to this exercise’s effectiveness is ensuring you’re in the correct position. Review the four easy steps for proper planks below:

• Get out your mat and lie flat on it in a face-down position.
• Slowly lift your body using your toes and elbows, keeping it as straight as possible.
• Hold this position for 20 seconds before lying flat again. Add extra time if you’d like to make the plank more difficult.
• Repeat the exercise a few more times to finish your set.

4. Stretch Your Muscles for a Great Morning Workout

How often have you been told to stretch before engaging in physical activity? I’m sure the answer is quite a few if not every time. Why? Because it increases your blood flow and prepares you for the activity you’re about to perform.

An early morning stretch provides the added benefit of relieving your body of tension or pain from sleeping. Here are several stretches that will wake your body up:

• Pectoral stretch: Sit upright in a chair and raise both hands to a surrender position. Next, push your elbows back as far as possible, and you’ll feel your chest pectoral muscle stretch.
• Hamstring stretch: Sit on the edge of a chair and extend one leg in front of you. Start bending your body forward from the hips and keep your back straight to feel the back of your thigh stretch.
• Quadricep stretch: Stand behind a sturdy chair and place one hand on the back to stabilize yourself. Stand on one leg and bring the heel of the other leg up towards your glutes. Hold it in place with your other hand for at least 20 seconds. 

Visit Gold’s Gym SoCal for Your Early Morning Workouts

Gold’s Gym SoCal is open early, so you can work before starting the day. Whether you want to work out alone or find a group class, our gym can accommodate your needs. With our wide selection of fitness equipment, free weights, group exercise classes, and other amenities, we’re confident you can crush your morning workout at one of our Southern California gyms.

If you’re interested in trying Gold’s Gym for your early morning workout, check out our gym locations in Southern California.

Having a workout buddy is also a great way to stick to early-morning fitness routines. We'd love for you to invite your friends and friends to workout with us!

__________________________________

If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our monthly newsletter, The Press, for more fitness tips and Gold's Gym news.