Sunrise Workouts

I’ve never considered myself to be a morning person. A night owl by nature, I relish late nights and lazy mornings whenever I can, and used to make a habit of exercising with my husband each evening before winding down with a tasty meal and refreshing glass of wine. 

This year, however, between nighttime grad classes and hectic schedules all around, my time and motivation for sunset fitness has definitely taken a backseat. And afternoon routines? Forget it. Once I’m in a productive "zone" throughout the day, there’s no way I’m about to quit to squeeze in a workout.

Ever since last fall, the pounds have slowly started to creep on, along with the stress that accompanies feeling out-of-shape and lax about my health. Something simply had to change, and that’s why you'll now find me rising and shining three days a week for 6 a.m. cardio and toning classes at the local community center.  

Image Source: www.activehealthinstitute.com

After just one week of sessions, I still feel part insane yet also part exhilarated by being up before the sun, fascinated to discover a whole new world of early-morning dog-walkers, joggers and commuters, all venturing forth bravely into the rising dawn. All in all, I'm pleased that the transition hasn’t been nearly as difficult as I initially thought it might be. 

Rather than feeling entirely exhausted afterward, the early start has actually helped me feel more energized and productive throughout the day. And although I do still have trouble falling right to sleep when I turn in early, I know it’s surely better for my health in the long-run than staying up until 1 a.m. trying to finish just one last chapter of reading, like I usually do.

Even more so, the fact that it’s a scheduled class I’ve actually paid for pushes me to get up and start moving, even when I don’t initially feel like it. Working out in a group also inspires me to push beyond my limits without giving up. I’ll keep you posted as the weeks progress, but right now I’m looking forward to a healthier, stronger, few-pounds-lighter me!

How do you stay in shape, and what’s your favorite time of day to work out? 

P.S. Special thanks to blogger Nali of It's the {little} things for giving me The Versatile Blogger award! I'm proud to pass it along to each one of the inspiring and insightful writers listed in my "Savvy Reads" sidebar, whose posts never fail to brighten my day!