Yesterday I posted about my struggle with getting up early enough in the morning to actually get a workout in before work.  I asked for suggestions and got plenty of really helpful comments -

chatterboxkeen gave really constructive suggestions, and explained several steps that make life a lot easier…

“Firstly, do not snooze under any circumstances…
Secondly, put on your clothes that you have already folded and prepared…
Thirdly, find a programme you can do at home…”

teachtheteacher had me in giggles with her comment…

“A few times I’ve slept in my workout clothes so all I have to do is roll out of bed and GO.”

Lisa pointed out that sometimes the motivation comes from what (or, who) you’ve got to get up for…

” I know if I don’t show up for my workout people will notice and since I do team training it helps me a lot… Find a buddy to workout with and make each other accountable.”

And Mike pointed out some hard truths (which I definitely needed to hear), specifically…

“…stop setting multiple alarms…  Tell yourself that when you hear your alarm,you will just get up. This is the tough part. Don’t think, just move one foot and then the other.”

And I agree wholeheartedly! (Unfortunately, 5:40am Amy needs some more convincing).

Keeping many of these comments in mind, I set my alarm, got my clothes organised and ready to go (in the other room, so I didn’t even wake The Boyfriend), and I settled in for an early night (in pyjamas, not gym pants, sadly).

This is where I make my admission of guilt.  I snoozed.  And I loved it.  Like I love cake (and obligatory dog pictures).

But, I still got up early enough and I was at the gym just after it opened.  Why didn’t I workout at home?  Because the gym’s a 5 minute walk downhill, and I prefer to leave any sweaty smells there rather than my living room.  In summer, I hope to switch it for a run around the local park and football field (both are far too muddy and dark to do safely at this time of year).  It was great.  And the gym was surprisingly busy.

Because the gym is so close to my house, I went home to shower and get ready for work.  Am I the only one who absolutely loathes getting dressed and doing hair/makeup in gym changing rooms?  (Granted my hair woes aren’t something everyone else tackles daily…)  I was glad I did, too, because my hair wasn’t playing nice and I had to spend a good half-hour (with two mirrors and a pack of bobby pins) to get all the spots under control. 

My thoughts?  I’ll definitely do it again.  I was tired by later in the day, but I can’t honestly say that I wouldn’t have been dragging a bit by then anyway.  As Mike pointed out, it’s about building a habit – and that’s what I intend to do.