Up before 6 am? Why? AND Habits.

I've heard a lot of people say that working out in the morning actually gives you energy for the rest of the day.

Since I started working out again, I keep telling myself "Yeah, so if I get up at 4:30 and go to the gym, I should have enough to work out for an hour, come home, shower and get the kids up". I've set my alarm clock for 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, just to attempt to get a little work out in, even 10-15 minutes of pilates. Here's the problem: regardless of my best intention to actually get out of bed when the alarm goes off, I just can't do it. I always seem to reset it for 6:00 and turn over to go back to sleep. I've even tried going to bed early so that I get enough sleep to get up earlier than usual.

However, today was a little different. I woke up somewhere between 5:00 and 5:30 to use the bathroom. Typical. I saw that it wasn't yet 5:30, so I got back into bed. Mistake #1. I couldn't go back to sleep, which was probably a good thing. As I lay there in the dark and complete silence (with the exception of my honey's snoring), I told myself, "You keep saying you're going to get up early and workout.... GET UP!"

I actually turned off my alarm clock (after re-setting it for 6:00) and got up out of bed, got dressed and went into the kitchen for my normal cocktail of vitamins and miscellaneous supplements.

I grabbed my kettlebell and small ball and proceeded to do some pilates in the middle of my living room. It was nice and peaceful. No Kris, no kids, no nothing.

I know they say it takes 2 weeks or 90 days or something to make a new habit. 

I've pretty much gotten into the habit of reading nutrition labels and calculating how many calories I can consume in a meal. As for exercise, I'm going to try. I want to exercise every day, again, even if it's 10 minutes of pilates in my living room. C25k only requires 3 days do there are 4 other days where I could be doing SOMETHING. I have options. I can get up and drive to the gym or I can stay home. I even take the time when I'm at work. If I have to go upstairs, I challenge myself to sprint the stairs.

After writing this, I have a few more things that I want to share:

1. Set goals. Whether you want to run everyday, take vitamins everyday or eat a salad for lunch every day for a week, set something that is attainable in the short term as a bridge to your long term goals, running a 5k, lose 20 pounds, etc.
2. Make a commitment. You have your goal set, but how will you attain it? You have to make a commitment. Get a running partner, put a note on your refrigerator that reminds you to take your vitamins or pack your salad for lunch the night before so there is no excuse for not having time.
3. Be accountable and finish what you start. If you set the goal and make the commitment, it's in your hands whether or not you succeed. Again, we know it takes time to make a new habit. Find any way you can NOT to make excuses. 
4. It's only hard if you make it that way. This is a mind game. You can do it if you just DO IT! Negative thoughts only get in the way and excuses are made. Try to keep a positive mind set. YOU CAN DO IT!!!
5. Listen to your body. Make sure you don't push yourself too hard. Your body will tell you when it's ready to quit. Listen to it! Also, if your body is craving chocolate, have some. Keep it within moderation! Don't deny yourself a special treat, but don't go overboard. You've worked too hard to get where you are and don't want to undo some of it with a pint of Ben & Jerry's, as delicious as it might be. 

And most importantly: LIVE, LAUGH AND LOVE!!! Enjoy your life as you are on the road to a healthier you! I know I am! 

Now it's 6:39 and I have to wake up the little monsters!

Have a great day!

GiLLiaN