Dear Fitness Coach,

I started off strong in January, but by mid-February I began blowing off my workouts and now haven’t exercised since Valentine’s Day. I am just so exhausted by the time I get home and there are always things to do. I know I should exercise, and it does make me feel better. To make matters worse, I have to pass by the gym to get home, so I know I have no excuse!

Exhausted of Excuses

Dear Excuses

Have you ever tried exercising in the AM? As long as you are not sacrificing sleep, then morning workouts are a great way to start your day. It also may help you stay with it long term; a recent study at the Mollen Clinic found that morning exercisers continued with their workout for more than a year. Here are four reasons to switch your gym time from the PM to the AM:

1. Makes you smarter
   Exercise helps boost your mental acuity, so you may just come up with a brilliant idea at the morning staff meeting.
2. Energizes you
   An AM sweat session will help boost your energy levels throughout the day. As a bonus, studies show that morning exercisers stay more active throughout the day, helping burn even more calories
3. Consistency
   If you are working out in the morning, you don’t have time to make excuses or let distractions get in the way. There is nothing that feels better than crossing off exercise from your to-do list before you get to work!
4. Healthy mindset
   Working out first thing sets the tone for the rest of the day: a more positive outlook and a better chance of making healthy food choices.