Getting up at 6.15am to exercise

[IamBitzyVonMuffling]

I am getting more and more out of shape and it's making me fed up. I have tried so many exercise routines (running after school drop off, exercise classes in the evening when kids in bed, weekends only) and just can't stick at anything. A big issue for me is that I need to wash and blow dry my hair every morning in order to not look ridiculous and so early mornings is def my best time to exercise (before my shower) otherwise, I end up showering and doing my hair twice a day (which is just too high maintenance for me) I also find that I am less likely to find excuses not to exercise if I get it out the way first thing. But I have 3 small children who are usually up and about by 6am. Is it a crazy idea to set my alarm for 5.15am 2-3 mornings per week to squeeze in a fitness dvd? Anyone else had any success with this?

I often get out running really early or through the night, but don't have children so don't have to factor them in. I like to get things done and dusted early so that I feel good and energised for the day - and if the rest of the day doesn't go to plan I don't have to worry about finding time to exercise too.

I get up at 5.15am for the gym. My class is at 5.45am.

And there is a class at 5am too....so people possibly up after 4am to make that class!

It's certainly not crazy, weird or unusual in my small rural village

Why not ? You could do a HIIT session for 20 minutes - Joe Wicks has programmes on You Tube so you wouldn’t even need to buy a DVD. If you go hard enough even 20 mins is enough to make significant changes.

Depending on my shifts I am up at 0300/0330 to fit in exercise before work. It works for me.

I get up at 5.30 for work every day. Just get to bed early.

Getting it done first thing is, imo, best for making it consistent, which is THE most important thing. There’s less chance for “life” to get in the way and it’s such a great start to the day. I feel more energetic and happy when I’ve been first thing. Tired and grumpy if not.

I’d also try making that 5:15 an everyday thing even if not exercising. Odd 5:15 starts can make it tough to establish a routine.

I get up at 5;00 and people ask how I do it and I just say I’ve made it my normal wake up time. No different to those getting ip 6/7 everyday.

Do you need to have a shower before the school run though? Now it’s winter, joggers, boots and bobble hat hides everything. Bit of deo. Nobody’s sniffing or looking at you. Then bomb straight to a hiit class after drop off at 9.30/10. You’ll be done and back home by 11.

I used be be in the gym for 5.15 when I was working to do a HIIT class. The class was 5.15 - 6.15 Shower, hair done, make up on and was in work by 7.30.

Do it

I’d love to go to the gym in the mornings but ours doesn’t open til 6 and I have to leave for work at 6:15.

I’ve managed in the evenings but my hair just isn’t getting washed often enough and I look a bit shit. I’ve told myself it’s only temporary until I achieve my goals but my goals keep getting more ambitious! That’s a good thing but I’ve had to make sacrifices. First world problems eh

I do a class 3 times a week at 6.15, it’s great, and even though it can be very cold in the morning at the minute I soon warm up!

I love this, it's free once you get a kettle bell (Facebook market place, aldi, sport direct, should be under a tenner). It tones and include some good cardio. It's hard work and you feel it the next day but it's a good all rounder and only 25 minutes long.

OP, why not just try it out and see how it works for you?

I doubt any of us here, whilst well meaning will understand your daily routine/moods/early rising shock etc.

What I would say is, a good brisk walk is worth ten times a DVD thing. Fresh air, movement, light, you know the drill! Best of luck with whatever works for you.